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Brent Cross watch shop robbery: Two men plead guilty to smash and grab raid
CCTV still of smash and grab raid in Brent Cross Picture: CPS - Credit: Archant
Two men have pleaded guilty to taking part in a “menacing” armed smash and grab raid in Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
Hammer used in smash and grab raid in Brent Cross Picture: CPS - Credit: Archant
Kyle Ettienne, of nearby Marble Drive, and Lookman Shekoni, from Lambeth, stormed the Watchfinder and Co shop on October 9 on mopeds.
The two 27-year-olds, armed with a sledgehammer and a pickaxe, began smashing their way through the glass cabinets of the watch retailer.
Three other members of Shekoni and Ettienne’s gang formed a protective guard outside of the store by circling it on mopeds while the thieves attempted their heist, Harrow Crown Court heard yesterday.
But the three riders abandoned the duo when the alarm system was activated and police appeared.
Police chased the Ettiene and Shekoni through the shopping centre and they were caught just outside.
They had tried to discard their weapons but these were later found by police.
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Ettiene pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and carrying a lock knife.
Shekoni pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Harrow Crown Court.
Moped helmet found at scene of smash and grab raid in Brent Cross Picture: CPS - Credit: Archant
Julian Becker, from the CPS, said: “Shekoni and Ettienne were part of a gang armed with weapons that menacingly stormed a busy shopping centre on mopeds, leaving shoppers unsafe and terrified.
“The evidence against Shekoni and Ettienne included DNA recovered from a sledgehammer and a lock knife.
“There were witness statements from police officers who pursued them and CCTV footage from multiple cameras, which together provided continuity of view from the scene of the offence to their arrest.
“The evidence demonstrated the role played by each defendant despite face coverings they thought would conceal their identities in committing this crime.
“The prosecution’s case against Shekoni and Ettienne was very strong, leading to the CPS’ decision to prosecute and today’s guilty pleas.”
Shekoni and Ettienne will be sentenced on Wednesday at Harrow Crown Court.
