Thief Wields Hedge Trimmer in Barmy Taxi Robbery
A daring criminal armed himself with a hedge trimmer to rob a taxi driver – and now he’s behind bars.
Taxi Driver Threatened and Injured in Shocking Attack
Edmund Brazil, 40, from Cockering Road, Canterbury, used the garden tool as a weapon in Faversham back in July 2019. After a taxi ride, Brazil got out on Lower Road, went to the car’s boot, and grabbed the hedge trimmer he’d stashed there. Pretending to fetch money to pay the fare, he started up the noisy tool and smashed the taxi window on his return.
He shoved the hedge trimmer through the broken window, threatening the driver. The terrified taxi driver suffered cuts to his hand trying to defend himself, as Brazil leaned into the car and snatched a bag containing a stash of cash.
Burglary Spree Follows Hedge Trimmer Heist
- Just two weeks later, Brazil went on the rampage in Sittingbourne.
- Between 5-7 August 2019, he knocked on doors at properties on Windmill Road, Roberts Close, and Woollett Road.
- Using the classic trick of asking for a glass of water, he forced his way in on two occasions.
- He robbed the residents and fled before police caught up.
Caught on CCTV and Locked Up
Thanks to CCTV footage and eyewitness reports, cops linked Brazil to the violent taxi robbery and the break-ins. He was arrested and charged with three counts of burglary, one count of robbery, and possession of an offensive weapon.
On Friday 17 April 2020, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to six years and four months behind bars.
“Brazil is a dangerous offender who was prepared to use violence in order to steal from others,” said PC Ben Shove of North Kent CID.
“As well as terrifying a taxi driver, he assaulted residents to force his way into their homes. Thankfully, justice has been served and he can no longer pose a threat to the Swale community.”
