Teen Jailed for Kidnap and ATM Robbery in Enfield
A 16-year-old has been locked up after kidnapping a stranger in Enfield and forcing him to withdraw £230 from an ATM.
Teen terrorises victim before ATM robbery
The youth, who was just 15 at the time, pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Youth Court on 28 April. He was sentenced to a four-month detention training order.
On 15 August 2019, the teenager, riding a moped with no number plate on Bell Lane, Enfield, pulled up on the pavement and targeted a 16-year-old boy walking nearby.
He started by asking the victim where he lived and if he had any money. When the boy said he had none, the teen threatened him with an implied knife, demanding he get on the back of the moped or face being stabbed.
Forced ATM withdrawal leaves victim shaken
Fearing for his life, the victim complied. The attacker drove him to a nearby bank, where he forced the boy to enter his PIN at the ATM. The teen then withdrew £230 before fleeing the scene.
The traumatised victim retrieved his bank card and was comforted by passers-by, one of whom drove him home. The victim’s father then contacted police.
Police act quickly, suspect caught on CCTV
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime team launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage from the bank that clearly showed the teen.
The suspect was arrested on 31 January and refused to answer questions. The victim identified him at an ID parade, sealing his fate.
“This was an absolutely despicable crime, which understandably left the victim extremely traumatised,” said Detective Constable Jade Lubin. “His courage was vital to building a strong case and securing this guilty plea. The Met will continue cracking down on violent crime, even during these challenging times.”
