Mugger Who Targeted Rich Women Caged

A ruthless ‘Quality Street’ mugger who targeted affluent female victims in London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods – netting £150,000 in cash and jewellery – has been locked up for seven years.

Victims were strangled, one was knocked unconscious, one had a finger broken, a baby was threatened with violence and there were threats of fingers being cut off for rings.

Jobless Thomas Pulhofer, 21, even robbed two armoured security vans – ramming a police car and injuring an officer during his escape bid – during his gang's reign of terror.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to robbing women in Dawson Place, Bayswater, on May 12; Frognall, Hampstead, on May 15 and Maygrove Road, West Hampstead, on May 16.

Pulhofer (pic l.) also admitted robbing an armoured van in Queensway, Paddington, on December 5, last year and in Cricklewood Broadway, Swiss Cottage, on December 17.

Affluent-looking women were targeted in the driveway of their homes or on the street near their addresses with Pulhofer and gang members strangling them and forcibly ripping off rings, earrings and other items.

The first victim was walking with her baby when a washing up liquid-type substance was squirted over her and the baby’s pram before her jewellery and bag were forcibly removed.

The next victim was pounced upon as she was getting out of her car in her driveway, with Pulhofer ripping off her jewellery, breaking her finger.

Thomas Knapper, 22, of Maida Vale, (pic r.) was sentenced to 27 months and three weeks for handling a stolen vehicle in relation to this incident. 


The next day, two women were walking together when Pulhofer, wielding a hammer, threatened them before robbing them of their jewellery.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Thompson, of the London Crime Squad, who led the investigation into the strangulation robberies said: 
"Pulhofer is a dangerous individual and deserves a lengthy period of imprisonment.

“I would like to praise the victims for their resoluteness and the sterling work of all officers in their detective ability to gather sufficient evidence in this case."

Pulhofer evaded police capture after robbing a security van on December 17 when shots were fired at pursuing officers

Police spotted a stolen silver Audi in First Avenue, North Kensington, and stopped it in nearby Herries Street.

One member of the gang - later jailed for 17 years - aimed a handgun at a female officer and was seen to pull the trigger at least twice.

The Audi sped off pursued by police until it slowed down in Elkstone Road, where at least two further shots were fired at the officers.

As other police cars joined the pursuit the Audi collided with one of the vehicles at the junction of Alfred Road and Harrow Road, injuring the officers inside.

Following the collision, the suspects ran from the Audi and it is believed further shots were fired.

Despite this, the unarmed officers pursued the four suspects and arrested two of them, pulling one out of the Grand Union Canal, where he had jumped in a bid to escape.

Area searches by officers led to the recovery of dye stained gloves and a loaded 9mm Baikal handgun, and traces of ultra violet security dye were found on one of the suspect's hands' and clothing.

A quantity of coins found in the Audi were traced back to the Cricklewood robbery and other notes found in the suspects' possession were found to have traces of UV dye from the Queensway robbery.

Detective Chief Inspector Pam Mace of Barnes Flying Squad, who led the investigation into the cash-in-transit offences said: "Pulhofer is a dangerous man who was prepared to go to any lengths in order to escape arrest.

“His actions in 2008 resulted in an officer being treated for a head injury which could easily have been more serious.

"I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the officers who were on duty in Westminster that day.

“Despite the knowledge they were dealing with an armed suspect in the car who was prepared to use a firearm, they chose to continue the pursuit to stop them.

“This led not only to the arrest and conviction of two of the suspects but also secured vital evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of Pulhofer."

Detective Superintendent Nev Nolan, of the London Crime Squad, said: "This result was achieved due the combined efforts of borough officers, the Flying Squad, and the London Crime Squad."