Two youths were sentenced for robbery in a police crackdown on thieves who snatch valuable jewellery from people walking by. Earlier this month the Times exclusively revealed that Brent police launched a massive undercover operation to find and arrest thi

Two youths were sentenced for robbery in a police crackdown on thieves who snatch valuable jewellery from people walking by.

Earlier this month the Times exclusively revealed that Brent police launched a massive undercover operation to find and arrest thieves who were grabbing gold chains from the necks of innocent victims.

The operation was launched in response to an unprecedented crime wave of jewellery muggings with some 90 reported in 12 weeks. Church Road market in Harlesden, and Ealing Road market in Wembley, were flagged up as particular hotspots.

In the first case, a 14-year-old youth from Harlesden, was sentenced to a six month parenting order and a supervision referral order for 12 months at Brent Youth Court for attempted robbery. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, followed a woman, 47, as she walked home in Neasden.

As she turned into Denzil Road, the youth stopped her and asked for the time. He then grabbed her by the neck and left shoulder and threw her to the floor before trying to pull a gold chain from her neck.

Passers by heard her scream and ran over to help.

Fortunately, officers were near by and stopped the 14-year-old from running off. He was arrested for robbery.

He later pleaded guilty at court.

In a separate case, a 16-year-old boy from Harrow, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to six months in prison by Harrow Youth Court for robbing a man while he walked up Wembley High Road, with young daughter and elderly father.

The family were approaching Ealing Road, when the youth approached the man from behind, grabbing hold of his gold necklace and ripping it from his neck.

But the man, 31, fought back and ran down the road after the robber.

Seeing the chase and spotting the gold chain lying on the ground, where the robber had discarded it, a police officer ran after and stopped the youth.

The 16-year-old pleaded guilty to robbery at court.

Talking about the first case, Detective Sergeant, Mark Fletcher, from the Priority Crime Unit, said: "This suspect was arrested as a result of public spirited citizens and police coming to the assistance of a lone female who was being subjected to a cowardly attack.

"Brent police are dedicated to pro-actively patrolling the streets, looking for suspects concerned in robbery offences. We will continue this positive action in order to identify, arrest and convict robbery offenders.