London Gang Jailed for £100K Luxury Store Smash-and-Grab Spree
A criminal network of seven men has been brought to justice after orchestrating a series of audacious smash-and-grab raids on high-end London stores, stealing over £100,000 worth of luxury watches, artwork, and designer handbags. The gang employed sledgehammers, bricks, and even a Ford Fiesta to crash their way into shops between May and August 2025, targeting prestigious locations across the capital.
Coordinated Crime Wave Uncovered
The Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad linked the offences through forensic analysis and extensive CCTV review, revealing a pattern of attacks concentrated near Paddington in west London. Detective Chief Inspector Scott Mather emphasized the impact on business owners and communities, stating, "We will identify you, we will track you down, and we will bring you to justice."
Notable Incidents and Defendants
Among the defendants was Lee James McCready, 46, of Uxbridge, who was on licence for a 2005 murder conviction. McCready participated in a daylight robbery at Suttons and Robertsons on Edgware Road, where nearly £60,000 in watches and jewellery were snatched through smashed windows. CCTV footage showed masked men with sledgehammers executing the nine-minute heist before escaping in a silver Jaguar driven by Anthony Munday, 40.
In another brazen attack, Christopher Gibbs, 43; George O’Hare, 42; and Paul Hughes, 42, used a Ford Fiesta to ram through the doors of a Fendi store on Sloane Street. They grabbed designer handbags and fled on a motorbike and silver Mercedes. Gibbs also used a paving block to break into Clarendon Fine Art, stealing two framed artworks valued at £66,500.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
All seven men appeared at Kingston Crown Court, where Judge Mark Nicholas Bryant-Heron KC adjourned sentencing until March 17 after hearing arguments from counsel. The prosecution detailed five successful burglaries between May and July 2025, resulting in £146,356 in stolen goods, plus two unsuccessful attempts. William Sneddon, prosecuting, described how store managers and crowds witnessed the chaotic scenes.
Defence lawyer Kane Sharpe argued for Munday, claiming the sledgehammers were "tools for a smash-and-grab burglary" rather than weapons. The gang was arrested in coordinated raids in August and September 2025, with forensic evidence and vehicle tracking playing key roles in their capture.
Broader Criminal Activities
David Rigelsford, 37, of Kilburn, faced additional convictions for a hotel robbery, two car thefts, and an attempted rucksack theft. A stolen Mini Cooper he used was linked to a £610,500 burglary at Phillips Auction House, though no charges have been filed in that case yet. The full list of offences spans multiple boroughs, including Kensington, Mayfair, and Marylebone, highlighting the gang's extensive operation.
This case underscores the Metropolitan Police's commitment to tackling organized crime targeting luxury retail, sending a clear message to would-be offenders in London's bustling shopping districts.
