Armed Robber Caught After High-Street Escape and Shopping Spree
Bruce Chipunza threatened staff at the Saffron Building Society branch in Colchester on 1 July 2019, brandishing a screwdriver. After the scare, he fled the scene but couldn’t shake off the watchful eye of police.
Caught on Camera Changing Clothes and Going on Spending Spree
Security footage tracked Chipunza entering a hotel where he swapped his clothes. He then hopped into a taxi to his home in Ellis Road, Clacton. Not done yet, he changed outfits again before heading to Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, where he went on a brazen shopping spree.
Chipunza tried to outsmart police using a cloned mobile phone to cover his tracks. However, he was arrested when returning to Clacton the next day. He stayed silent during questioning but was soon charged.
Career Criminal Jailed for Eight Years After Two Robberies
Chipunza denied the charges on 16 August 2019 but was found guilty after a two-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on 23 November this year. He was handed an eight-year sentence for the Colchester robbery and a similar one in Chadwell Heath, London, just days earlier.
The court revealed Chipunza, 31, has a long rap sheet with 21 convictions for 45 offences, including theft, burglary, and fraud.
Police and Victims Praise Swift Justice
A Saffron Building Society spokesman said, “Thanks to our security procedures, no staff or public were harmed. We’re pleased with the outcome and the proper sentence served.”
Detective Constable Tim Harris called Chipunza a “persistent career criminal” who “showed no remorse” and praised the victims’ bravery. He said,
“Some victims suffered life-changing psychological trauma. We supported them throughout and commend their courage in giving evidence. Bringing Chipunza to justice was a joint effort by Essex Police, the Met Flying Squad, and the CPS. The overwhelming evidence left no doubt. We hope his victims now feel safer knowing he’s behind bars.”
