'Violent' thugs who robbed transit vans, post offices and jeweller face prison

Two "violent" jewel thieves who targeted transit vans and post offices across South London will face prison. James Dixon, 42, of no fixed address, and Thomas Loring, 41, of Dunkery Road, Bromley, left a trail of destruction as some robbery victims suffered serious injuries.

On March 26, during a robbery on an antique jewellery shop in Chelsea, which was captured on CCTV, two shop workers in their seventies were attacked with a claw hammer and around £200,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.

An investigation by the Met's Flying Squad scoured hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and analysed DNA to track down the prolific pair. Dixon and Loring were arrested following an attack targeting a cash in transit worker at a Post Office on the Old Kent Road on June 19 during which they punched and kicked the custodian, stealing £26,000.

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Dixon, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to steal, robbery of cash and possession of an offensive weapon during a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on October 28. He is due to be sentenced on January 18 next year.

Loring was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery on November 25 at Kingston Crown Court, after the jury deliberated for 42 minutes. He is due to be sentenced on January 16.

Antiques expert and owner of Bourbon Hanbury in Chelsea, Ian Towning, said: "The support we got from the police was absolutely fantastic. They've been there for me every minute. They've always been there. That's what the police are there for, to help you, to guide you, to take you through it."

Senior Security Manager at Post Office, Mark Dinsdale said: "Where Postmasters, or our own cash delivery drivers, are the victims of crime this has a devastating impact on them and also a knock-on-effect on our branches’ ability to provide everyday cash and banking services to local communities.

"We will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to support their efforts to prevent or detect criminal behaviour.”

Detective Inspector Kelly Schonhage, from the Metropolitan Police who led the investigation, said: "Evidence obtained as part of our investigation revealed this criminal network were proficient, competent and well organised and were aware of the impact and relevance of forensic and identification evidence.

"These men inflicted serious injuries and caused immense distress during violent robberies which deliberately targeted the cash and valuables in transit industry and businesses in London and Kent.

"We continue to use innovative methods, data and technology to build intelligence about robbery and combat violent crime in the capital which our New Met for London plan highlights is a priority for the Met.”

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