Knifepoint Gang Nabbed in South London Robbery Spree
Three young men have been handed hefty prison sentences after a terrifying crime spree targeting shops across Sutton, Croydon, and Lambeth.
Six Years for Kingpin Sean Tuso
Sean Tuso, 21, of Belmont Road, Wallington, Surrey, was jailed for six years for conspiracy to rob. His conviction came after a two-week trial at Croydon Crown Court that wrapped up in December 2020.
Accomplices Also Behind Bars
- Joshua Norris, 22, from Colliers Water Lane, Thornton Heath, got four years and four months for robbery and handling stolen goods. He pleaded guilty in September 2020.
- Joseph Hamilton-Peart, 20, of Craignish Avenue SW16, locked up for three years after pleading guilty to attempted robbery.
All three were sentenced on 16 June at Croydon Crown Court.
Operation Venice Crushes Knife-Wielding Moped Mob
The trio, part of a violent gang, hit convenience stores armed with Rambo knives and hammers. Arriving on mopeds, dressed in crash helmets and dark gear, they threatened shopkeepers and customers before robbing cash tills, cigarettes, and booze. The spree ran from late October to November 2019.
Despite faces being hidden on CCTV, forensic evidence was their undoing. A hammer left at the scene gave a partial DNA match to Norris. Police also used fingerprints and phone data to crack the case.
Chilling Evidence and Hammer Blow to Crooks
Tuso was caught with a stolen Honda moped padlocked in his garden, and held the key when arrested in December 2019. Surveillance at his hostel showed Norris wearing the same outfit from the robberies. Norris was arrested in January 2020 with a matching crash helmet and stolen motorcycle plates found at his home.
Hamilton-Peart was linked by fingerprint on a Rambo knife found at an attempted robbery scene. Following a manhunt, he was caught in April 2020.
£24,000 Loot Stolen in Rampage
The gang made off with £24,000 worth of cash, alcohol, and cigarettes over their four-week reign of terror.
“These men terrorised shops in south London, threatening staff with knives and using violence to steal cash, booze, and cigarettes,” said Police Constable Tadas Balnys of Operation Venice.
“Thanks to meticulous forensic work, including fingerprints, DNA, and phone evidence, we identified and caught each criminal. We’re committed to tackling violent crime and making London safe.”
