Robbery gang foiled in £45,000 jewels raid

A ROBBER who took part in a £45,000 raid at a pawnbroker’s shop was caught thanks to the bravery of staff and members of the public who tackled him as he made his getaway.

Joshua Wannan, 24, was part of a professional organised gang who targeted the Brown & Gold shop at Seacroft Shopping Centre, Leeds.

Five men targeted the shop as the area was busy with Christmas shoppers on December 23 last year.

Three members of the gang wearing balaclavas and motorbike helmets entered the shop and threatened staff.

They were ordered to lie on the ground and threatened with a hammer. Wannan kicked opened a display cabinet and filled the bag with jewellery as the others stopped staff from leaving.

The robbers then ran to stolen motorcycles to get away, but members of the public intervened. Wannan was tripped and was held on the ground as police were called.

Wannan removed his helmet during the struggle and headbutted one man.

The other gang members managed to get away but the bag of jewellery, containing watches, rings and bracelets, was left at the scene. Wannan, of Barwick Road, Stanks, Leeds, pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and assault occasion actual bodily harm.

Kenton Sergeant, mitigating, said threats had been made against Wannan’s family to pressure him to help the gang.

Wannan was jailed by Leeds Crown Court for five years, eight months.