Wallington Armed Robber Jailed for 12 Years Over Banstead Post Office Raid
A feared armed thug who threatened staff with a handgun during a terrifying raid on a Banstead post office has been slammed behind bars for 12 years. Lewis Vivian, 53, from Stafford Road, Wallington, was convicted at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (20 May) after holding up a family-run shop at gunpoint.
Gun-Toting Robber Strikes Just Before Closing Time
The shocking robbery unfolded just before 9pm on 12 December 2018. Vivian leapt over the counter of the Woodmansterne Road post office, demanding cash from an employee preparing to shut up shop.
He then pulled a handgun on the terrified worker before making off with more than £2,000 in stolen cash.
Cunning CCTV and Phone Data Crack the Case
Police quickly circulated CCTV images of Vivian, leading two separate officers from the Metropolitan Police to independently tip off Surrey Police. Phone records confirmed Vivian was in the Banstead area during the crime.
He was arrested on 5 January 2019. A search of his home unearthed a handgun matching the weapon described by the post office staff.
Detective Praises Victims’ Bravery and Sends Warning
“Fortunately, no one was injured during the robbery but this was a terrifying ordeal for the family who run the post office and one which will haunt them for the rest of their lives,” said Detective Constable Martin O’Neill.
“I would like to praise them for their immense bravery in coming forward and giving evidence, and hope that the sentence given to Vivian will help them come to terms with their ordeal.
“The sentence should also serve as a warning to anyone planning to commit crimes in Surrey – we will catch you and make sure you face justice.”
