A gang of armoured car robbers – who targeted cash deliveries and collections to supermarkets, post offices and petrol stations during a year-long reign of terror - are now all behind bars after being hunted down by the elite Flying Squad.
The masked raiders would “rush” guards in the early hours of the morning – snatching cash boxes – and fleeing in a waiting getaway car.
The break-up of the gang dramatically slashed the number of armoured car robberies in north-east London and Essex and was a major coup for the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad, which specialises in capturing organised robbers.
They netted £300,000 from raids in Stratford, Canning Town, Ilford, Barking, Tottenham, Plaistow, Walthamstow, Chadwell Heath plus West London robberies in Hounslow and Richmond.
They are: Richard Agyemang, 21, (pic. top) of Alfred Road, Paddington who received seven years nine months.
Martin Danquah, 19, (pic. 2nd top) of Woolwich Manor Way, North Woolwich who received six-and-a-half-years.
Nana Wallace, 20, (pic. 3rd top) of Leamington Gardens, Ilford, Essex received seven years.
Muanza Da Silva, 22, (pic. bottom) of Tiptree Crescent, Ilford, Essex received seven-and-a-half years.
Agyemang, Danquah and Wallace all pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to conspiring to commit cash in transit robberies between August 2008 and July 2009.
Ringleader Agyemang admitted carrying-out a total of 23 robberies and Danquah and Wallace admitted involvment in 8.
Da Silva admitted his part in two of the robberies and was convicted of eight additional solo raids between October 20, and November 29, 2008.
Detective Inspector Ralf Kirchel said: "The arrest and conviction of these men has resulted in a reduction in cash in transit robberies in north east London.
“The investigation leading to their arrests was protracted requiring expertise, diligence and determination to prevent the spread of criminality to younger and more vulnerable members of the community."
Weapons were not seen or used during the robberies, but minor physical injuries were inflicted.
The suspects had access to firearms, which were recovered during the investigation.
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