Sunday 10 January 2021

Brazen Robber Snatched Cash In Front Of Police

A heartless robber was caught on a police officer's body-worn camera snatching £200 from an octogenarian bank customer he deliberately knocked to the ground.

Jay Makwana, 40, was sentenced to six years imprisonment for the heartless crime.

The 81 year-old woman suffered facial injuries when pushed over in Market Place, Bexleyheath at 10.50am on November 9 after leaving her bank with cash.

Makwana, of Northumberland Park, Erith pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to one count of robbery.

The victim was taken by ambulance to a south London hospital. 

Her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening.

As a result of her ordeal the pensioner is now afraid to leave her home.

Police launched an investigation after learning the lady's purse, containing approximately £200 was stolen.

Officers took witness statements and reviewed CCTV from the area.

The footage showed the victim leaving a nearby bank when she was approached by Makwana. 

He deliberately pushed her to the ground, causing her to hit her head on the pavement.

He waited with the woman until officers arrived and thought he had got away with sneaking her purse into a carrier bag and leaving the scene.

However, his audacious money-grab was caught on a police's officer's camera.

Makwana was arrested by officers from the South East Basic Command Unit on 24 November. 

He was interviewed and charged the following day.

Sergeant Matt Taylor, of the Burglary Robbery Investigation Team, said: "This was a truly shocking assault on a woman, who was deliberately targeted because of her age and vulnerability.

"It has had a huge impact on the victim's life and left her scared to leave home alone. 

I hope the fact that Makwana received a significant custodial sentence will bring her some closure as she continues to come to terms with this terrible ordeal."

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