Brothers Jailed for 14 Years Over Ruthless Robbery Spree Targeting Elderly Women
Two brothers who terrorised elderly women in Brent and Wembley have been locked up for over 14 years. Shaun Moorhouse, 32, and William Moorhouse, 30, both of no fixed abode, carried out a vicious crime spree over eight days, robbing and stealing from mostly elderly victims.
Violent Crime Spree Preyed on Elderly Victims
Their rampage began on 19 January, when they attacked a 74-year-old woman, knocking her to the floor and stealing her Volkswagen Golf in Wembley. Over the next week, the pair targeted women aged 65 to 88, with many victims pushed down or dragged along streets as their handbags were snatched.
Using stolen cars—including a silver Vauxhall Astra, black Audi A3, and grey Volkswagen Golf—the brothers pulled up alongside victims before grabbing handbags or committing robberies. One brazen theft saw them crash into a car at a Waitrose car park in Brent Cross and steal a handbag from inside.
Police Crack Down and Arrest Brothers
On 22 March at Harrow Crown Court, both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft and robbery, with William also admitting two burglaries on 8 and 28 January. Shaun was sentenced to six years, William to eight years and seven months.
Police swooped after a proactive operation, arresting William on 28 January following a burglary and Shaun the next day during a patrol. Their offending included 21 linked crimes, many involving theft or robbery of motor vehicles and handbags.
Detective Praises Community and Sends Warning
“I would like to thank all witnesses, victims and CCTV providers whose evidence was crucial in bringing these offenders to justice,” said Detective Sergeant Richard Lewsley from Brent CID.
“Members of the public rushed to assist victims. This sentence sends a clear message that police will pursue offenders relentlessly.”
The court has clearly cracked down hard, showing zero tolerance for crimes targeting society’s most vulnerable.
