A serial bomb-hoax robber – who claimed explosives were strapped to his body during a series of terrifying raids, which netted thousands – has been jailed for four years.
Faisle Nasim, 35, of High Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, targeted banks, a bureau de change and a box office, threatening to blow up staff and himself if cash was not handed over.
He pocketed over £7,500 during the 10-day spree, which took him all over London and Essex.
The Old Bailey heard how Nasim passed a note to staff at Santander, North End, Croydon on November 23, last year which read: “I have a bomb strapped to my body give me the cash or I will blow everyone up.”
His plastic bag was filled with £3,500 cash despite staff attempts to activate the security screen.
Two days later Nasim (pictured) produced a similar note at Lloyds TSB, The Broadway, Loughton, Essex, but fled empty-handed when staff activated the panic alarm.
Ten minutes later Nasim tried again at the nearby Santander, High Road, Loughton, giving a cashier a note which read: ”Stay quiet, give me money, I have a bomb strapped to me and if you don't then you will die.
“I like to die - first 50's, then 20's and then 10's. Don't slow down, if you do everyone will be dead.”
The security screen was activated and the defendant fled empty-handed.
Determined Nasim was eventually successful shortly afterwards at the Nat West, George Lane, South Woodford, where the cashier handed over £3,100.
He produced a note, which read: ”I have a bomb and will blow up the bank if you don't hand over money, don't put your hands anywhere other than the till.”
Four days later on November 29 at Halifax, North End, Croydon, he handed a similar note to the cashier, but was thwarted by the security screen.
The next day at the Leicester Square Ticket Box Office, Cranbourne Street Nasim gave the cashier another bomb-threat note.
When they tried to press the panic alarm the defendant said: “Don't you dare or I will explode,” and fled with £969.
On December 2 at Eurochange, Charing Cross Road, Nasim produced a similar note, but fled when told the police would be called.
He was identified and arrested the next day by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Corner said: “This man thought nothing of using the threat of detonating a bomb to influence his demands, and terrify people in their workplace.
“Although Nasim never actually had a bomb during the robberies the threat and fear would have been very real for the people working in the banks.
“I would like to thank all the victims and witnesses who have assisted us in our investigation and have helped us to secure a conviction against Nasim.
“I would also like to commend the work of my officers. They provided a measured professional response and as a consequence of this no one was hurt.”
Nasim will be released after he serves two years.
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