Double attacks on amusement arcades
An 11 strong gang who carried out dozens of commercial robberies across London, including several in SW6, have been sentenced to a total of 44 years in prison.
The gang, whose reign of terror lasted two years between 2006 and 2008, entered 107 individual guilty pleas to an astonishing 72 offences at Kingston Crown Court on February 26 and 27.
The gang targeted high value gaming machines in dozens of bookmakers and other premises, including North End Road's Agora Amusements and Shoppers Pride Amusements, both of which were targeted twice.
Agora was robbed on October 5, 2006 and again on April 15, 2008, while the robbers attacked Shoppers Pride on October 1,2007 and again just a month later on November 2.
Police say the vast majority of the robberies took place between October 2007 and June 2008, and in total the gang obtained £135,700. They were highly organized in preparing and carrying out the raids and, usually working in teams of four, would rush or "steam" into the premises, hiding their faces with hoods and scarves.
One member of the gang would act as a "look-out" by the front door, then the others would attack the gaming machines with an assortment of crowbars and screwdrivers in order to get to the cash. The machines holding the highest amount of cash were specifically targeted.
The "look-out" ensured that members of the public neither left nor entered the premises and due to their physical size, demeanour and use of tools, which were often brandished as weapons, staff and customers were put in considerable fear for their safety. On occasions both staff and customers were threatened with violence.
The robberies were investigated by the Flying Squad based at Barnes, and one of the key milestones in the investigation came in May 2008 when a member of the public noted down a part registration of a blue Ford Puma used at a robbery that took place in Teddington. Research linked the car to Devon Anderson and further investigation led to the identification of the robbery team.
DCI Pam Mace of Barnes Flying Squad said: "These men used intimidation to control the situation and ensure they could carry out their crimes without resistance. They were motivated by greed, damaging property and causing considerable distress, for a relatively small amount of money when split between the group. The evidence collected against them was overwhelming and I am pleased they chose to plead guilty and save the considerable expense of a trial.
"This is an example of one member of the public going out of their way to assist the police and it leading to the identification of a gang of prolific robbers. I have no doubt that these individuals would have continued offending if they had not been caught."
A full list of the robbers, their crimes and sentences is as follows:
SPENCER ROWE, 33, of Wickham Rd, SE4 convicted of 4 robberies, 3 thefts, 2 attempted thefts, sentenced to 4 years 3 months.
ANTHONY EDWARDS, 28, of No Fixed Abode, convicted of 2 robberies, 3 thefts, 1 attempted thefts, sentenced to 3 years 6 months.
RICHARD DAVIS, 36, of Wedgwood House, SE11, convicted of 3 robberies, 4 attempted robberies, 5 thefts, sentenced to 4 years.
STEVEN MULLINGS, 32, of Asyum Rd, SE15, convicted of 3 robberies, 3 thefts, 1 attempted theft, sentenced to 4 years.
MARCUS NETTLEFORD, 31, of St Peters House, Queens Row , SE17, convicted of 9 robberies, 1 attempted robbery, 4 thefts, 2 attempted thefts, sentenced to 5 years 6 months.
GAVIN FRANCIS, 32, of NFA convicted of 8 robberies, 9 thefts, 2 attempted thefts, sentenced to 4 years 6 months.
DEVON ANDERSON, 28, of Penceat Ct, Bourdon Rd, SE20, convicted of 5 robberies, 2 attempted robberies, 7 thefts, 1 attempted thefts, sentenced to 4 years 9 months.
JASON GRAHAM, 31, of Groombridge Rd, E9 convicted of 3 robberies, 2 thefts, 1 attempted theft, sentenced to 3 years 9 months.
HUGH ATKINS, 30, of Peabody Buildings, SE5 convicted of 4 robberies, 3 attempted robberies, 2 thefts, 4 attempted thefts, sentenced to 4 years 9 months.
KEVIN DWYER, 26, of Wickham Rd, SE4 convicted of 2 robberies, 1 theft, sentenced to 3 years.
TESFA JONES, 30, of Trarbert Rd, SE22 convicted of 1 robbery, sentenced to 3 years.
June 1, 2009
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