A gang of ‘baby-faced’ robbers who were responsible for terrorising wealthy homeowners, including a celebrity chef, have been jailed.

Burglars target Hampstead in search for cash

The three criminals threatened their victims with a hammer, knives and a taser whilst they snatched high-value watches, jewellery and designer handbags.

Among the victims was a celebrity cook and businesswoman, Annabel Karmel, who had her handbag and a £16,000 Rolex watch stolen as she got out of her car in St. John’s Wood.

Another victim is publishing executive Stan Myerson, the joint managing director of Northern & Shell which owns Express Newspapers. The attack happened on his driveway in Hampstead, where he was robbed of his cash and watch.

All of the attacks took place within 3 miles of Hampstead Heath, near Finchley Road. All of the victims were targeted because of their outwardly open display of wealth.

 Justice has been served

23-year-old ringleader, Corrie Moroney, was seized along with his baby-faced fellow gang members and jailed for a total of 23 years. They were charged with conspiracy to rob in connection with 12 raids between March and June of last year.

The innocent citizens were terrorised on their own driveways by the thugs, who smashed their car windows with hammers which they then used to threaten the terrified victims inside.

The gang, who were disguised with black helmets and balaclavas, targeted people for their Rolex and Cartier watches, worth between £5,000 – £60,000 each!

They were finally found after a two-week surveillance operation that took place last June by Scotland Yard’s Flying Squad, who studied the CCTV footage.

CCTV saved the day, so what are you waiting for?

The moral of the story is, without CCTV, it could have taken the Police years to track down these criminals, if at all! Yet there are still so many people without adequate home security measures.

Having a burglar alarm installed is a mandatory step to safeguarding your home. Although this can’t stop you from being attacked, it can act as a visual deterrent to potential burglars.

Installing a CCTV system ensures that any suspicious activity outside your home is always recorded. Which house is a criminal more likely to target?

Your home – with visible security equipment such as a burglar alarm, CCTV and security lighting? Or your neighbour’s house with none?