London Moped Gang Locked Up for Over 20 Years After Knife-Point Robberies and Motorcycle Thefts
Three Thugs Nabbed in Westminster Crime Crackdown
Three men have been sentenced to a combined total of more than 20 years behind bars for an audacious spree of motorcycle thefts and violent moped-enabled robberies across central London. Leading the pack was 24-year-old Thomas McDermott from Kilburn Lane, who copped 12 years and 6 months for conspiracy to rob, seven theft counts, and two attempted motorcycle thefts.
Alongside him, 20-year-old Hisham Tawfik from Beethoven Street got three years for similar theft charges, while 17-year-old George Fitzgerald from Dagenham was slapped with five years for five separate robberies carried out at knifepoint.
Teens Caught Red-Handed After Violent Knife-Point Attacks
The judge stripped Fitzgerald of his anonymity after his role in brutal, weapon-wielding robberies. The trio pleaded guilty at earlier hearings and were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.
Westminster Crime Squad’s twin investigations uncovered a slick criminal operation targeting central London’s motorcycle bays and high-value bikes between December 2016 and June 2017.
How the Gang Operated
- McDermott and Tawfik would scout for prized motorcycles.
- They’d gear up in motorcycle outfits and face coverings.
- Tawfik drove a high-powered vehicle while McDermott hotwired and stole the bikes.
- One would steer the stolen bike while the other pushed from behind to escape fast.
On 6 December 2016, the pair launched a brazen theft in Soho Square, threatening brave onlookers with knives and angle grinders. Further inquiries linked McDermott and Fitzgerald to a string of terrifying moped robberies.
Violent Robberies Stun London Streets
On 22 June 2017, McDermott and Fitzgerald attacked a 35-year-old man in St Johns Wood Park, snatching his Rolex at knifepoint before roaring off on a stolen bike. Days later, McDermott knocked a 45-year-old woman to the ground in Royal Avenue and robbed her of a luxury watch, again wielding a knife. They fled when passersby came to her rescue.
Police Close In, Justice Served
Tawfik was arrested in March 2017 at an Alfred Road address. Fitzgerald was caught in June at Herries Street with clothing linked to the crimes. McDermott was nabbed in Kilburn Lane at the end of July that year.
Both Tawfik and McDermott admitted to nine counts of motorcycle theft or attempted theft. Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob, and McDermott followed suit in January 2018.
DC Russell Farmer, leading the robbery probe, said: “We hope today’s sentencing sends a clear message — the Met will hunt down moped-enabled criminals and hold them to account.”
DC Vic Barkes, who led the motorcycle theft inquiry, added: “We’re pleased to have put these three behind bars for their brazen crimes. I’m convinced Londoners will be all the safer for it.”
