Men arrested after sledgehammer attack on jeweller's in Barnet (From This Is Local London)

Men arrested after sledgehammer attack on jeweller's in Barnet

10:40am Saturday 20th June 2009 in

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NINE suspected gang members have been arrested in connection with a sledgehammer raid on a jeweller's in Barnet on Thursday.

The men, aged between 18 and 24, were discovered in Enfield following the attack at the shop in Heddon Court Parade, Cockfosters Road.

At about 4.45pm three motorbikes with both driver and passengers, arrived at the jewellery shop. All six were wearing dark clothing and crash helmets.

Three of them are said to have got off the motorbikes and smashed the front window and door using the sledgehammers.

Police said staff inside the premises activated the security systems and the three fled the shop, got back on the motorbikes and left the scene.

One member of staff was taken to hospital and treated for minor shock and later discharged.

Following police enquiries, officers attended a lock up in Ladbroke Road, Enfield and arrested seven men. A further two were arrested in a nearby car park.

The lock up was searched and police seized several items of property including four motorbikes, and motorbike accessories. Two vehicles were also seized.

The nine men were arrested for conspiracy to commit robbery and remain in custody at a north London police station.

Acting Detective Superintendent Simon Cunneen, of the Westminster Crime Squad who led the police operation, said: "Yesterday's arrests are significant as we believe those arrested are part of an organised criminal network.

"Those arrested acted with utter disregard, their actions were both audacious and brazen, armed with sledgehammers they attacked the shop front without any thought for staff or customers inside the premises during busy shopping hours.

"Westminster Crime Squad, working with colleagues across other boroughs, has been committed to identifying, disrupting and arresting those individuals involved in this type of offence which has blighted the retail community across London.”

Anyone with any information about the attempted robbery on the jeweller's is urged to contact police at Westminster CID on 020 7321 7614 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.