Local Men Charged With Armed Robbery and Firearms Offences

“Violent and high organized” gang sentenced to over 32 years imprisonment

Two local men appeared at Harrow Crown Court this week as part of a gang who were sentenced to a total of over 32 years imprisonment in connection with armed robbery and firearms charges.

The six males were arrested in August 2006 following a lengthy Flying Squad operation set up in response to a series of violent armed robberies in the North and West London areas and the Home Counties. In excess of £150,000 was stolen during eight robberies between April 2006 and the arrests in August 2006. The men were a violent and highly organised team, targeting cash in transit vehicles often using high-powered motorcycles to escape upon. They used handguns and on occasions claw hammers as weapons and extreme and unnecessary violence was often used.

All six men pleaded guilty.

Ben Wegener, a 21 year old unemployed male from Churton Place W4 pleaded guilty to robbery and received five years imprisonment. He was charged in relation to the robbery on the 30th May 2006, in King Street, Hammersmith. A Securicor guard was robbed of a cash box containing £26,000.

20 year old Anthony Francis again unemployed, from Vernon St W6 pleaded guilty to possession of two firearms (high velocity rifles) without a license. This is in relation to the two guns found at his address. He also pleaded guilty to handling the proceeds of armed robbery - £30,000 cash taken in a robbery on 14th July 2006. He received 30 months imprisonment.

He was charged in relation to possessing a firearm without holding a firearms certificate. This is in relation to the two guns found at his address.

He was further charged with handling stolen goods on the 24th August 2006. The proceeds of robberies (£30,000).

Detective Inspector Mark DREW from the Finchley Flying Squad Office said “These convictions are the result of a meticulous and prolonged operation by the Flying Squad. It took months of surveillance activity to gather the evidence, which led to their arrest as they fled the scene of a robbery on the 24th August, in possession of £25,000. The Met's Flying Squad continue to target and convict these type of criminals, who were prepared to use any amount of violence to get their hands on the cash."

January 10, 2007