Threatened staff at knifepoint in week long spree

12 July 2013

A Northolt man who carried out a series of knifepoint robberies throughout west London including Greenford and Hanwell has been jailed for seven years at Harrow Crown Court.

The court heard how he had terrorised staff at three bookmakers and an off licence across west London, threatening them with a knife as he demanded cash.

He was also found guilty of robbing a minicab driver at knifepoint during a separate incident.

All five offences took place during a seven day period between 23 February and 1 March this year.

On each occasion, armed with a knife, he threatened members of staff or members of the public with violence, in an attempt to intimidate those present into handing over cash. Despite this, no one was seriously injured during the raids.

Using a combination of techniques , officers of the Flying Squad located Joseph to the Kilburn area. On 5 March officers swooped on the offender as he boarded a bus in Kilburn Park Road.

He was found in possession of items of clothing which could be matched to CCTV footage of the suspect at some of the robberies.

He was charged with five counts of robbery later that day.

Detective Sergeant Adam Rodger of the Flying Squad led the investigation.

Offences

- Robbery on 23 February 2013 at 1955hrs at William Hill Bookmakers, Chippenham Road, W9; - Robbery on 24 February 2013 at 1820hrs at William Hill Bookmakers, The Broadway, Greenford; - Robbery on 26 February 2013 at 1945hrs at J K Off Licence, Greenford Avenue W7; - Robbery on 27 February 2013 at 0515hrs of a minicab driver in Sherwood Close, W13; - Robbery on 1 March 2013 at 2040hrs at William Hill Bookmakers, Kilburn Lane, W10;