Three men have been jailed for a combined total of 15 years and six months following an investigation into a smash and grab robbery at a jewellery shop in Richmond.

They were sentenced on Thursday, 30 July at Kingston Crown Court with Deniz Mehmet, 28, of Elham Drive, Basildon, being jailed for five years, after pleading guilty at the same court on Friday, 10 July.

[Robert Clarke, 50, of Lever Lane, Rochford, was jailed for five years and three months, after pleading guilty at the same court on Friday, 22 May.

And Lee Ramsey, 46, of Hastingwood Road, Harlow, was jailed for five years and three months, after pleading guilty at the same court on Friday, 22 May.

A video of the robbery was widely shared online. It showed the men smashing the window of the jewellers with a sledgehammer before reaching in to grab jewels worth £225,000 and making off.

Officers immediately launched an investigation, arresting two of the men on Tuesday, 31 March and the third on Wednesday, 8 April – all at addresses in Essex.

Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, from the Met's Flying Squad, said: "Robberies of this kind cause real concern for residents and businesses in the communities that are targeted. It's they who feel the immediate impact.

"These sentences mark a significant step in what has been a detailed and determined investigation. I hope they demonstrate our commitment to tackling smash‑and‑grab robberies in London by going after those involved, wherever they are.

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"The groups responsible should be under no illusion – we will pursue you relentlessly and hold you to account."

An investigation was launched immediately following the incident which took place in Paved Court, Richmond on Saturday, 31 January.

Specialist officers carried out an extensive review of CCTV footage, alongside forensic analysis and the recovery of a vehicle believed to be linked to the robbery.

This led to the identification of the three suspects who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

The Met says it "remains committed to tackling issues that have a real impact on businesses and communities – including ram raids".

New figures released show neighbourhood offences fell by 14 per cent in the 12 months to June compared with the previous year – the equivalent of more than 35,000 fewer offences reported across London.

This includes:

• 23,311 fewer thefts from person (-23 per cent)
• 2,943 fewer personal robberies (-11 per cent)
• 8,737 fewer vehicle offences (-9 per cent)