Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Two men have been jailed for a total of 31 years for a series of violent robberies across London and Kent, following a painstaking investigation by Met officers.
It comes as part of the Met’s ongoing determination to protect Londoners from this type of crime, which has a significant impact on victims.
James Dixon, 42 (17.10.82) of no fixed address was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday, 22 January to 17 years’ imprisonment. He had previously pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to steal, robbery of cash and possession of an offensive weapon.
Thomas Loring, 41 (11.9.83) of Dunkery Road, SE9 was jailed for 14 years. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery following a trial in November.
Detective Inspector Kelly Schonhage, who led the investigation said:
“It is simply not right that any individual considers themselves free to steal and bully those around them, just as James Dixon and Thomas Loring left in their wake a series of serious injuries and distress following violent robberies across London and Kent.
“We know from our investigation that this criminal network was proficient, competent and well-organised, with an in-depth understanding of forensics. But thanks to the painstaking work of officers, the victims of Dixon and Loring have been given the justice they deserve.
“We continue to use innovative methods, data and technology to build intelligence about robbery and combat violent crime in the capital which our New Met for London plan highlights is a priority for the Met.”
The court heard that Dixon and Loring were part of an organised crime network based in south London that targeted cash in transit vans, Post Offices and a jeweller’s in a spate of violent incidents that left victims with serious injuries. In one incident in March 2023, two shop workers in their 70s were attacked with a claw hammer during a robbery on an antique jewellery shop in Chelsea, when around £200,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.
Dixon and Loring were arrested following an attack on Wednesday, 19 June 2023 on a cash in transit worker at a Post Office on the Old Kent Road. They punched and kicked the custodian, stealing £26,000.
As part of the Met’s determination to bring justice to the victims affected, specialist officers in the Met’s Flying Squad painstakingly reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, and used evidential profiling, analysis of DNA and vehicle monitoring technology.
Ian Towning, antiques expert and owner of Bourbon Hanbury in Chelsea, said:
“The support we got from the police was absolutely fantastic. They’ve been there for me every minute. They’ve always been there. That’s what the police are there for, to help you, to guide you, to take you through it.”
Senior Security Manager at the Post Office Mark Dinsdale said:
“We’re grateful to the Metropolitan Police and their officers for all their work to bring these serious criminal offenders to justice.
“Where Postmasters, or our own cash delivery drivers, are the victims of crime this has a devastating impact on them and also a knock-on-effect on our branches’ ability to provide everyday cash and banking services to local communities.
“We will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to support their efforts to prevent or detect criminal behaviour.”