A gunman who targeted a high street travel agent’s bureau de change – terrifying staff with a pistol and stuffing foreign cash into a carrier bag – has been locked up for five years.
Michael Michaelides, 42, of Cardinals Way, Upper Holloway, was arrested inside Thomas Cook, Muswell Hill, after a member of staff managed to raise the alarm in a neighbouring shop.
Michaelides (pictured) pleaded guilty Wood Green Crown Court to robbing the travel agent’s on November 16 last year and possessing of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and was given an indeterminate sentence carrying a five-year minimum.
He entered Thomas Cook’s at 5.20 pm and demanded staff let him inside the secure foreign exchange bureau.
Police were alerted called and officers attended the scene a short time later - arresting Michaelides inside the shop.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Adrian Whitewick said: “This was a very serious robbery where staff members carrying out their daily business were threatened by an armed gunman.
“The actions of both the staff and members of the public were crucial in assisting officers to arrest Michaelides and recover the firearm and stolen cash.”
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