Moped-riding robbers get jail time for horrendous crimes
Keys to padlocks for stolen mopeds used in evidence
Three men who terrorised South London businesses stealing £24,000 worth of cash, alcohol and cigarettes at knifepoint before fleeing on mopeds have been jailed at Croydon Crown Court. Sean Tuso, 21 of Belmont Road, Wallington, Joshua Norris, 22, of Colliers Water Lane, Thornton Heath and Joseph Hamilton-Peart, 20 of Craignish Avenue, SW16 were sentenced to six years, four years and four months and three years respectively for their parts in the offences. Despite wearing face coverings and helmets making CCTV identification impossible, Tuso and Norris were linked to the crimes in part because they were in possession of keys to padlocks used to secure stolen mopeds on or near their addresses.
Forensic investigations also linked the men to a helmet, Rambo knife and hammer used during the robberies, and phone videos of the trio posing with the knives was also recovered by the Met Police’s Operation Venice taskforce.
“These men terrorised shops in south London over a four week period, visiting mainly at night and threatening staff with knives and using violence to steal cash, alcohol and cigarettes,” said Police Constable Tadas Balnys, from Operation Venice. “Their spree was stopped thanks to the meticulous investigation by Venice officers which required diligent forensic work. The fingerprint, phone and DNA evidence in this investigation was vital in identifying each of the criminals. It highlights the proactive work we do every day to ensure serious offenders are identified and brought to justice.
“I hope that the verdict and sentencing helps to reassure the community that the Metropolitan Police are there to keep London safe. We are committed to tackling violent crime and have no tolerance for criminals who commit senseless acts of violence.”
‘These men terrorised south London’ PC TADAS BALNYS