Knife-Wielding Duo Held Up Basildon Petrol Station in Dead of Night
Jamie Wilson and Sam Chambers stormed Toomeys Service Station in Westmayne, Basildon just before 1am on 3 January. Wilson waved a knife at staff, yanked a woman to the floor, and forced her to open the till. Meanwhile, Chambers stuffed cash into his pockets as Wilson grabbed 41 cigarette packets and shoved them into a bag. Then they made a swift getaway.
Quick-Thinking Staff Trigger Panic Button, Police Close In Fast
Thanks to a panic button pressed during the terrifying raid, police were instantly alerted. Officers raced to the scene and soon stopped a taxi with Wilson and Chambers slumped in the back seat. They seized the knife, cash, and stolen cigarettes before arresting the pair at 1.10am.
“Hearing what happened to my staff and the impact it’s had on them breaks my heart,” said Karen Baverstock, manager of Toomeys Service Station.
“It was terrifying for them and the effects remain with them. I can’t praise the police enough for catching these violent men so quickly – it was fantastic. I’m relieved they’re behind bars where they can’t hurt anyone else.”
Robbers Jailed After Admitting Charges at Basildon Crown Court
Chambers, 29, of Wimbish End, Pitsea, and Wilson, 46, of Great Oxcroft, Laindon, were charged with robbery. Wilson faced an additional charge for carrying a knife in a public place. Both pleaded guilty on 2 February.
Today, 26 March, the court handed down sentences: Chambers got four years behind bars, while Wilson was locked up for three years and nine months.
Detective Sergeant Danielle Hutton said: “These men were ready to use violence to get what they wanted. I can only imagine how frightening it was for the petrol station staff that night.
“But Wilson and Chambers didn’t count on the quick work of officers from Basildon local policing team, who caught them within minutes. I hope these sentences help the victims feel safer now these criminals are behind bars.”
