12-Strong Moped Gang Nabbed: Over 67 Years of Jails in London Crime Spree
A vicious gang of 12 men has been slammed with a combined 67 years and 10 months behind bars at Kingston Crown Court. The ruthless crew terrorised south and west London over 16 violent moped-enabled robberies between November 2017 and June 2018.
Night-Time Mayhem on Motorbikes
The gang struck mainly at night, using stolen bikes and vehicles with removed number plates to dodge the law. Wearing motorcycle helmets, they left almost no evidence. Their daring included charging uniformed officers, firing powdered fire extinguishers to create chaos, and snatching mopeds right under police noses.
Met Police’s Trident Proactive Team launched Operation Fieldhouse in February 2018 after violent moped robberies surged across London.
High-Speed Chases and Brutal Raids
- December 31, 2017: Gang rammed a Kensington High Street clothing shop with a stolen Range Rover, stealing pricey coats before fleeing on mopeds.
- January 30, 2018: A brutal raid saw four suspects smash into the same shop on mopeds, attack a security guard with wooden planks, and make off with more loot.
- March 2018: Crooks tried to steal a media camera fixed to Putney Bridge using an angle grinder but failed, then made off with a high-value video camera they still haven’t returned.
- May 7, 2018: Three gang members led police on a 90-minute helicopter-backed chase across ten London boroughs, flouting red lights and weaving through pedestrian parks.
- June 21, 2018: The gang attempted a terrifying knife-point robbery on a mother and her toddler in Kingston — but locals chased them off.
Sentences for the Criminal Crew
- Omar Tafat, 22 – 8 years 5 months for robbery, weapon possession and criminal damage.
- Josh Strong-Myers, 20 – 8 years for armed robbery, dangerous driving, and theft.
- Kian Taylor, 20 – 9 years 4 months for robbery and burglary conspiracies.
- Steven Weller, 36 – 6 years 7 months for conspiracy to rob and burgle.
- Terry Marsh, 32 – 13 years 2 months in the slammer for multiple conspiracy charges.
- Aaron Pask, 27 – 6 years 8 months for conspiracy to burgle and steal.
- Scott Leaver, 25 – 4 years 8 months for burglary conspiracy.
- John & Isaac McFadyen, 24 & 19 – Both 2 years 8 months for conspiracy to rob.
- Others received suspended sentences or shorter jail terms related to theft and handling stolen goods.
Operation Fieldhouse Chief Speaks Out
“This gang terrorised innocent Londoners and caused almost half a million pounds in damage,” said Detective Inspector Andy Durham. “Our officers’ dedication has paid off. These criminals will now face the consequences and spend serious time behind bars. London won’t tolerate violence like this, and we’ll keep hunting those who think they can get away with it.”
This crackdown sends a clear message: moped marauders beware, the Met’s eyes are everywhere.
