Three men jailed for a series of watch robberies

Three men have been jailed following a Met Police investigation into a series of high-value watch robberies in central London.

Met detectives used CCTV to identify the group of violent repeat offenders who carried out two robberies on consecutive days.

The Met is focused on reducing the number of robberies taking place on the streets of London by targeting robbery hotspots with increased patrols. This action prevents and deters robberies from taking place, as we work to identify, apprehend and deter potential offenders.

In this case, detectives tenaciously recovered and viewed hours of CCTV footage to link one vehicle and offenders to the three robberies, discovering the offenders had conducted surveillance on members of the public to identify their victims.

On 25 June and 26 June 2024, the group struck. Three victims across Stratton Street and Brewer Street in Mayfair were threatened with violence as they tried to prevent the robbers from making off with their high value watches – two of which were stolen.

The offenders were arrested on 30 July 2024 and clothing worn at the time of the offences was recovered, cementing the links between the offenders and the incidents. The offenders were later charged and remanded in custody.

Detective Inspector Lizzie Beeston, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Our investigation has ensured three violent offenders have been removed from our streets.

“Every robbery has a significant impact on the victim. This is a violent crime that leaves a significant, lasting effect on the victim.

"Tackling violent crime in all its forms is one of the Met’s priorities and we are determined to reduce the number of robberies. As part of the New Met for London Plan, localised proactive teams have been set up to deal with robberies affecting our local communities."

Tedros Haile, 35 (08.09.89) of Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery on 25 June 2024 at Southwark Crown Court. He was later found guilty of a further count of robbery and one charge of attempted robbery following a trial at the same court on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.

Mahad Jammeh, 24 (10.07.00) of Beaconsfield Road, Enfield and Christian Whittingham, 27 (11.11.97) of Granville Road, Uxbridge pleaded guilty to one count of robbery on 28 August 2024. They later pleaded guilty the two further counts on 4 November 2024.

Haile and Jammeh attended Southwark Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, 17 April. Haile was sentenced to 11 years and Jammeh was sentenced to 8 years.

Christian Whittingham, 27 (11.11.97) of Granville Road, Uxbridge, was sentenced on the same charges at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 20 June. Whittingham was sentenced to 10 years and six months.