Gangsters behind a series of terrifying armed robberies across London and the south of England have been jailed.
Four men were sentenced to over 70 years on Tuesday at Isleworth Crown Court for their roles in 22 armed robberies and two attempted robberies in just twelve months.
The criminals targeted Co-Op and One Stop stores, using knives and guns to threaten staff and tie them up before stealing “large quantities” of cash, booze and cigarettes.
Not content with carrying out raids in London and the south-east, the gangsters carried out robberies as far afield as Bicester, Rugby and Towcester.
During their year-long spree, the gang stole more than £100,000 in cash and £15,000 worth of tobacco and alcohol.
Pictured: The gang who carried out 22 armed robberies in just twelve months
Shane Wilson, 40, of Solon New Road Estate in Clapham was jailed for 24 years after previously admitting 24 counts of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Clleon Smith, 32, of Croydon’s London Road was sentenced to fifteen years and ten months behind bars, after admitting eleven counts of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Joel Rene Derriviere, 45, of Hicken Road, Brixton was given sixteen years behind bars after pleading guilty to ten counts of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Fellow gang member, 56-year-old Samuel Kenneth Bernard, of Gosling Way, SW9, was found guilty of six counts of conspiracy to commit robbery following a three-week trial.
He was given eighteen years behind bars.
Police launched an investigation into the robbers in October 2018, and linked the organised gang to 24 offences carried out throughout the year.
On December 13, three of the four were arrested prior to a planned raid on a One Stop shop in Hungerford at around 5am.
Wilson, Smith, and Bernard were arrested in their silver Vauxhall, and taken into custody.
A search of the car turned up a black handgun, a balaclava worn by Wilson, a rucksack and tool knife.
Forensics and phone records also linked Derriviere to the robberies, and he was arrested at his home address later that day.
“These prolific gang members terrified shop workers across the country in order to steal cash,” said the investigating officer, DC William Man.
“They are dangerous individuals who threatened victims with knives and guns throughout their brazen crime spree.
“I hope the victims, and the wider public, feel reassured that these violent offenders have been taken off the streets and will now serve lengthy sentences behind bars.
“I also hope the sentences act as a deterrent to those involved in this type of criminality. We will continue to bear down on violent crime and we will work night and day to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.”
The judge in the case, HH Judge Holt, praised the shop workers who had been the victims of the gang’s robberies, saying they had showed “considerable fortitude and bravery.”