Three men have pleaded guilty to their involvement in the daylight robbery of Gregory & Co jewelers in Richmond, south-west London, an incident that gained widespread attention after footage of the smash-and-grab went viral. Deniz Mehmet, 28, Robert Clarke, 50, and Lee Ramsey, 46, all admitted their roles in the conspiracy to rob.
The thieves used a large hammer to smash the shop's windows on January 31. Staff attempted to defend the store but were unsuccessful as the suspects fled on foot with jewels valued at approximately £225,000. None of the stolen items have been recovered.
Authorities released body-worn camera footage showing the arrests of the three men. Clarke and Ramsey were apprehended while sleeping in their beds, while Mehmet was arrested on the street.
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell of the Met's Flying Squad emphasized the impact of such robberies on communities and affirmed the police's commitment to pursuing those involved. "These guilty pleas mark a significant step in what has been a detailed and determined investigation," Mitchell stated. "I hope they demonstrate our commitment to tackling smash‑and‑grab robberies in London by going after those involved, wherever they are."
Investigators reviewed extensive CCTV footage, conducted forensic analysis, and recovered a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident, leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects in March and April.
A spokesperson for the family-run Gregory & Co, which has been in Richmond for over 45 years, expressed gratitude for the public's support following the incident, stating, "We are reassured that overall, good outweighs the bad."
The three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced later this month.