Three men involved in a daytime smash-and-grab robbery at a jeweller’s store in southwest London have been sentenced to prison. Deniz Mehmet, 28, Robert Clarke, 50, and Lee Ramsey, 46, all from Essex, were convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery following the incident on January 31 in Richmond.

According to police, the trio used a sledgehammer to break the window of Gregory & Co, a family-run jewellery shop that has operated in the area for over 45 years. The robbers then stole jewellery valued at approximately £225,000, quickly packing the items into Ikea bags before fleeing the scene.

The suspects were arrested in separate police operations in late March and early April. Surveillance footage shows officers entering the homes of Clarke and Ramsey in the early hours of March 31 to detain them. Mehmet was apprehended on a street on April 8. The Metropolitan Police linked the suspects to the robbery through CCTV analysis, forensic evidence, and the recovery of a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime.

At Kingston Crown Court, Mehmet was sentenced to five years in prison. Clarke received a six-and-a-half-year sentence, while Ramsey was given five years and three months. All three had previously entered guilty pleas.

Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell of the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad highlighted the impact such crimes have on local communities. “Robberies of this kind cause real concern for residents and businesses in the communities,” he said. “These sentences 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.”