Robbery Duo Behind Bars For Crime Blitz

A violent knife-wielding robber, who targetted seven stores on the edge of East London during a fifteen-day crime blitz, has been locked up for at least twelve years.

Ian Edwards, 45, (pic.top) picked on soft targets and was helped by his look-out and getaway driver Kenneth Westfield, 37, (pic.bottom), of Chantry Way, Rainham, who received six years.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Fareed Mirza, from The Flying Squad said: "Edwards and Westfield were engaged in a spate of violent robberies that impacted on local businesses and instilled a real sense of fear amongst members of the local community.

"Edwards is a violent career criminal. He showed no remorse and disregarded the impact his actions would have on the lives of his victims and their businesses.

“The conviction of these two men reaffirms the commitment of the Flying Squad to bring to justice men of violence and improve the safety in which businesses operate."


Detective Chief Inspector Ian Corner said: "This is an excellent example of work carried out by the Flying Squad in partnership with local borough officers, where linked cross border knife robberies at commercial premises was investigated.

“Officers from the Flying Squad supported the local investigation by bringing about the arrest and conviction of both suspects, ending an episode of violent offending."



The offences began on 23 April 2012 at 13.35hrs at Gayatri Newsagent, Broadway, Rainham.

Edwards went inside and approached the counter where the elderly female victim, a frail lady in her 70s, was working alone.



He forced his way behind the counter and grabbed hold of the victim around her wrist. He twisted her arm and dragged her violently across the floor while demanding she open the safe.

A customer entered the premises and Edwards told him to leave, threatening to stab the victim if he didn't.

As the victim screamed in fear the suspect produced a large kitchen knife with a blade of between eight and 12 inches, brandished it at her and made demands for money from the till. He stole about £400 before making off. 



DC Mirza said: "This was a particularly horrific robbery. There was no need for Edwards to use such excessive force on such a vulnerable victim.

“She suffered injuries to her arm, neck and back and was so traumatised by the robbery that she has never returned to work.



"Since the death of her husband, working in the shop gave her an opportunity to leave her house and interact with people. Sadly, following this robbery, she has become withdrawn and now seldom leaves her home."



On 30 April 2012, at 17:15hrs at Britcrown Pharmacy, Upminster Road, Hornchurch

Edwards approached the female victim working at the counter.

He pulled out a large knife and started shouting at her and the pharmacist, demanding money and threatening to stab them if they did not comply.

He stole money from the cash register and threatened to stab the victims if they followed him out of the shop.

Again, the threat of violence put the cashier in fear for her safety and left her shocked and distressed.


On 1st May 2012 at 18.29hrs at Lloyds Pharmacy, Tadworth Parade, Hornchurch Edwards forced his way behind the counter where the victim was serving.

He pulled out a large kitchen knife from his jacket and brandished it at the victim, demanding she open the till.

Terrified, she did as he asked. Edwards then complained there was not enough money in the till and threatened to stab her unless she opened the safe. 
He then left, warning the victim not to follow him, saying that he would stab her if she did.



On 3 May 2012 at 19:55hrs at Tesco, Bridge Road, Rainham
Edwards approached the tills and asked to speak to the manager.

The victim told him he was the duty manager at which point Edwards pulled out a knife from his jacket and pushed it against the victim's throat with such force that it left a bruise.

He threatened to kill the victim unless he opened up the till. He committed this robbery whilst the shop was trading with numerous other members of staff and public in the premises. The level of violence used left the victim shocked and traumatised.



On 6 May 2012 at 14:26hrs at Premier Stop Once Express, Suttons Lane, Hornchurch Edwards forced his way behind the counter where the victim was serving.

He produced a large kitchen knife and brandished it at the victim demanding that he open the till.

Edwards emptied the till of its contents and threatened to stab the victim if he followed him out of the shop. Kenneth Westfield was parked nearby as look-out and get-away driver.



On 7 May 2012 at 21.35 at Hainault Food & Wine, New North Road, Ilford
Edwards went inside and engaged in conversation with a cashier.

When the last remaining customer left the premises Edwards suddenly forced his way behind the counter and pulled out a large kitchen knife.

He started shouting at the staff and brandished the knife.

Other staff members heard the disturbance and ran out from a back room.

A struggle then ensued during which Edwards cut his hand and dropped the knife he had brought into the shop. It is believed he ran into a getaway car parked nearby.



On 8 May 2012 at 18.01hrs at Bows Chemist, Upminster Road North, Rainham Edwards forced his way behind the counter and into the dispensary.

He threatened the pharmacist with a large knife and demanded that the till be opened.

The victim was shaking and struggled to open the till; Edwards told him he had five seconds before he would get hurt.

When the till was opened, Edwards emptied the contents of the cash drawer into a carrier bag and fled. He ran into a waiting getaway car driven by Westfield.



The Flying Squad launched an operation to tackle the series of robberies and arrested Westfield on 8 May and Edwards two days later in Dagenham Heathway.