Three plead guilty to robbery in Richmond jewellery shop

Left to Right: Deniz Mehmet, Robert Clarke & Lee Ramsey

Three men plead guilty to smash and grab robbery at Richmond jewellers Gregory & Co

Deniz Mehmet, 28, of Basildon, Essex, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at Kingston Crown Court on Friday 10 July.

Two other men – Robert Clarke, 50, of Rochford, Essex, and Lee Ramsay, 46, of Harlow, Essex, previously pleaded guilty to the same offence on Friday 22 May.

All three men were remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Friday 24 July.

A video that was widely shared online, filmed by a woman in a cafe opposite the shop, showed the men using a sledgehammer to smash the window of the jewellery shop and reaching in to grab £225,000 worth of jewels before fleeing.

Richmond jewellery smash & grab raid; image from video shared on social media

An investigation was launched immediately following the incident which occured in Paved Court, Richmond on Saturday 31 January.

READ ALSO: Jeweller’s in Richmond hit in smash and grab raid

An extensive review of CCTV footage was carried out by specialist officers, alongside forensic analysis and the recovery of a vehicle believed to be linked to the robbery, which led to the identification of the three suspects who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Two of the men were arrested on Tuesday 31 March, followed by the arrest of the third on Wednesday 8 April, all three from Essex addresses.

Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, of the Met’s flying squad, said:

“Robberies of this kind cause real concern for residents and businesses in the communities that are targeted. Its they who feel the immediate impact.”

“These guilty pleas mark a significant step in what has been a detailed and determined investigation. I hope they demonstrate our commitment to tackling smash-and-grab robberies in London by going after those involved, wherever they are.”

“The groups responsible should be under no illusion – we will pursue you relentlessly and hold you to account.”