Attempted to steal BBC equipment set up to film boat race

The gang responsible for an attempt in broad daylight to steal BBC camera equipment on Putney Bridge have been jailed.

The group, which had twelve members, used an angle grinder to try and cut the camera worth tens of thousands of pounds which had been positioned to film the University Boat race on Thursday 28 March last year.

When the attempt failed they proceeded to ride to Lonsdale Road in Barnes where they stole a high-value video camera from a scaffolding platform. This camera has never been recovered.

The group were also responsible for for being part of a moped robbery gang which committed a string of robberies over a seven month period and for stealing a moped from police officers. The convictions in which the gang of 12 men were sentenced to a total of 67 years and 10 months’ imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court this Monday (13 May) came as a result of a 12-month police investigation led by the Met's Trident Proactive Team.

The court heard how between November 2017 and June 2018, the gang were responsible for 16 offences across south and west London boroughs. Most offences were committed at night and the defendants rode motorcycles and used vehicles which were either stolen or had their number plates removed. The gangs’ professional approach meant they left almost no physical evidence behind and usually wore motorcycle helmets.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 19 July 2018, the police investigation culminated in a series of search warrants in relation to these crimes. Five of the gang were arrested as a result. Officers seized pieces of clothing linking them to a number of offences, mobile phones, approximately £6,000 in cash and an imitation firearm.

Detective Inspector Andy Durham, who led the investigation, said, "Operation Fieldhouse was a painstaking investigation which sought to apprehend violent moped criminals. Following months of hard work and dedication carried out by my officers, the organised crime group responsible for a series of dangerous offences across London have been brought to justice.

"They terrified their victims during a number of calculated and violent ordeals and will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“In addition to the pain and distress they caused to so many innocent people over the past two years, the cost of their crime spree is estimated to be approximately half a million pounds.

"I hope today's sentencing highlights that criminality of this kind will not be tolerated in London. We will continue to work tirelessly around the clock to apprehend those involved in these types offences and bring them before the courts."

Video: MailOnline

May 17, 2019