Three men have been jailed for a combined total of 32 years after a failed armed robbery at a jewellers in Winchester was foiled by a rapid police response. The attempted heist at Justice Jewellers on Parchment Street was stopped within minutes, preventing the criminals from escaping with stolen goods worth around £200,000.
The offenders, David George, 21, from Hatfield; Domingo Nsita, 29, from London; and Joshua Tiloye, 22, from Stevenage, pleaded guilty to the robbery and possession of an imitation firearm during the crime. Winchester Crown Court sentenced George and Tiloye to 10 years each, while Nsita received 12 years. Each man was also given an additional five-year sentence for carrying the fake gun, to run concurrently.
On April 15, the trio arrived in a white van. Tiloye and George entered the shop wearing motorcycle helmets and threatened the owner with a gas-powered BB gun while stealing watches and jewellery valued at approximately £200,000. Members of the public quickly alerted the police, who arrived swiftly at the scene.
Armed officers from the Hampshire and Thames Valley Joint Operations Unit surrounded the jewellers, blocking all possible escape routes. Nsita, who was waiting as the getaway driver, attempted to flee but became trapped behind a bin lorry and was arrested immediately. The two men inside fled but were soon apprehended following tips from local witnesses.
All stolen jewellery and weapons, including a hammer and face masks used during the robbery, were recovered by the police. Detective Constable Darrin Carey commended the rapid actions of the officers and the bravery of the local community. He stated: “Thanks to the swift actions of our officers, these dangerous men have been taken off the streets of Hampshire. Within minutes, our teams were ready to confront and block their escape, giving the offenders no chance.”
He added, “This joint effort between neighbourhood police and specialist units was brilliant. I also want to thank the brave members of the public who stayed to provide vital information that helped officers catch the suspects quickly.”
Detective Carey concluded, “We hope this sends a strong message to anyone thinking of bringing crime to Hampshire or the Isle of Wight – we will act fast and take robust action.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
