Tooled-Up Robbers Caught By Have-A-Goes

Two teenage robbers, caught by a posse of have-a-go heroes after raiding a North London jeweller's, have been caged.

The youngsters, armed with a hammer, stun gun and blank firing pistol, were challenged after smashing a display window and pursued by local shop workers and members of the public.

Momin Hassan, 17, (pic.top) of Devonshire Road, Mill Hill received four years and 16 year-old Tajwar Shah, (pic.bottom) of St. Edmund's Drive, Stanmore three and a half years.

Both pleaded guilty to robbing Vinsons Jewellers in Station Road, Edgware on November 16, last year and possession of an imitation firearm.

Hassan also pleaded guilty to possession of a stun gun.

Wood Green Crown Court heard it was 11.20am when the defendants began smashing the display window with a hammer and tried to empty the jewellery inside.

They were challenged by a female member of staff and Shah shot a blank round into the air as a warning.

Passers-by and other shop workers were alerted to the struggle and pursued them down Station Road.

During this chase, Shah fired the gun in the direction of his pursuers, but they contiued to follow the pair.

The robbers were seen trying to change their clothes in the car park of a block of flats and were detained as they tried to flee back along Station Road.

Police found a bag, which contained a stun gun and a key to a blue Mercedes getaway car with false number plates, which was parked nearby.

Detective Constable Tim Fines, from the Flying Squad based at Finchley, said: "The judge has commended the bravery of those members of the public who pursued and detained these two males - I would like to reiterate this praise.



"Thanks to their efforts, and the efforts of officers who attended the scene, two dangerous males are behind bars."