A man responsible for a violent spree of robberies, including the theft of £400,000 worth of jewellery, has been sentenced to four years and eight months’ imprisonment. Peter Dixon, 44, of Swan Road, Southwark, was found guilty of robbery, attempted robbery, burglary, ABH (Actual Bodily Harm), and common assault in commercial properties. The sentence was delivered at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, January 12.

The Flying Squad’s painstaking CCTV enquiries and the recovery of a black glove worn by Dixon proved instrumental in tying him to a series of violent offences. Detective Sergeant Richard Watson, of the Met’s Flying Squad, underscored the severity of Dixon’s actions, stating, “Dixon carried out multiple offences in a short period of time, believing there would be no consequences for his actions.”

The robberies unfolded in various central London locations, leaving victims traumatised. On May 15, Dixon stole 510 Euros from a customer in a currency exchange shop on Victoria Street, SW1, inflicting facial and leg injuries through violence. Later, on May 25, he attempted to gain access to a supermarket’s cash office on Rochester Row SW1, threatening the manager but leaving without succeeding.

On the same day, Dixon tried to rob a Post Office on Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1, assaulting a customer before fleeing when police were called. In a daring burglary, Dixon targeted jewellers on Burlington Gardens W1S, making off with up to £400,000 worth of jewellery. However, officers managed to apprehend him while fleeing in a taxi, recovering all the stolen items.

The Flying Squad’s quick action included a fast-time CCTV investigation, conclusively linking Dixon to each of the robberies. The recovery of a black glove, matching the one seen in CCTV footage from the crimes, further solidified the case against him.

Detective Sergeant Richard Watson highlighted the frightening nature of Dixon’s offences, stressing the trauma experienced by victims. He stated, “Thankfully the victims recovered from their injuries, but the effects of these incidents can be very traumatic. We are pleased the victims have justice.”