Don’t mess with us, say heroes after foiling raid
LOCAL heroes foiled a terrifying smash-and-grab raid, warning the culprits “don’t mess with this neighbourhood”, a court heard this week.
Ben Wegener and two accomplices had looked set to get away with a fortune after crashing through the window of a jewellery shop in a stolen black Range Rover.
Dramatic CCTV released by police showed how the three robbers, armed with hammers and wearing motorcycle helmets, smashed display cases before stuffing jewellery into bags.
But as the raiders ransacked the store, shocked and angry onlookers gathered outside.And when the robbers fled the crowd gave chase.
Wegener fell over in the middle of the road and was surrounded.
Mobile phone footage shows several men punching and kicking the raider to stop him getting away.
It was posted online with the caption: “Don’t mess with this neighbourhood!”
Wegener, 34, of no fixed address, was jailed for 10 years at Isleworth Crown Court in west London on Thursday after admitting robbery, dangerous driving, possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage, and receiving stolen goods.
Terrifying
The raid happened in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, in October.
CCTV showed Jamal Sarhan, the shop’s terrified co-owner, inside.
He said later: “I told them to take whatever they liked but ‘Please do not hurt anyone’. I thought I was not going to see my kids again.” But locals foiled the crime, pinning Wegener to the ground until police handcuffed him and took him away.
Detective Constable Sam Weller said: “It was sheer luck that no one was seriously injured when the vehicle smashed through the shop front.
“The shop owner and customers were threatened with serious violence. The raid was thwarted by members of the public.
“This was a terrifying incident for the victims and everyone who witnessed it unfold.”
He added: “Unfortunately, his two accomplices left the scene and remain outstanding. We will continue to pursue leads to identify them and would urge anyone with information to contact police.”