Two crooks have been banged up after stealing a Mini Cooper and using it to smash into a West Byfleet jewellers, making off with a stash of watches and jewellery.
Wild Ram Raid Caught on Witnesses’ Eyes
On 29 January, a red Mini was nicked in Addlestone. Hours later, stunned witnesses watched the same car reverse repeatedly into the window of Brooklands Jewellers in West Byfleet. The glass finally gave way, and a man leapt out, grabbing watches and bling before hurdling back into the Mini. They vanished within minutes.
Police Dogs Sniff Out the Thieves
Officers raced to the scene. After a short chase in New Haw, the Mini was ditched and the pair bolted on foot. But police dog Vinnie and handler tracked the suspects through Pinewood Allotments to a nearby shed. Armed cops swooped, cuffing the men as Vinnie watched proudly.
Nearby, PD Oakley sniffed out a pillowcase stuffed with the stolen watches and jewellery hidden in the bushes—a crucial breakthrough thanks to sharp noses.
Hard Time for Career Criminals
- Matthew White, 30, of Addlestone, got 4 years 8 months—plus a 3-year driving ban on release.
- Benjamin Brazil, 38, from West Drayton, sentenced to 4 years 2 months with an 18-month driving ban.
White was hit with charges of burglary, motor vehicle theft, and dangerous driving. Brazil faced burglary, theft, plus driving without a licence, without insurance, and careless driving.
“White and Brazil are career criminals who showed no respect for other people’s property,” said officer DC Kerry Plumb. “Luckily, they now have plenty of time to think about it behind bars.”
“This arrest was down to brilliant teamwork from dog units, traffic cops, armed response, investigations, and neighbourhood teams. Huge thanks to the public whose eyewitness reports nailed them at the scene.”
