Machete Mobsters Nabbed After Failed Devizes Garage Heist
Two men have been sentenced after a terrifying machete robbery attempt at a Devizes Esso Garage.
Robbery Plot Foiled by Quick-Thinking Customer
Samuel Sneyd, 34, from Waiblingen Way, Devizes, and Adam Farrell, 32, of Rawlingswell Lane, Marlborough, pulled off a brazen raid on the evening of July 23. Both men stormed into the Nursteed Road garage with faces covered, brandishing a machete and demanding cash and cigarettes at the till.
But as the duo threatened the lone cashier, a customer walked in, forcing Sneyd and Farrell to flee empty-handed.
Police Hunt and Capture Perpetrators
A swift police response followed, with a large containment set up in the area. Farrell was caught within the hour, but Sneyd tried to escape. He was arrested early the next morning at his home, where officers discovered the machete.
“This was a stupid, nasty and violent crime,” said Det Insp Tom Straker. “Devizes is a safe, quiet place, and incidents like this are rare. Our quick action was vital to reassure the local community.”
Justice Served for Terrified Cashier
- Sneyd pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a knife blade and was jailed for two years.
- Farrell admitted the same charges and received two years and three months behind bars.
The pair’s violent threat left the cashier shaken. Thankfully, the customer’s timely arrival stopped a potential tragedy.
“We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and take reports like this extremely seriously,” added Det Insp Straker.
Thanks to coordinated police efforts between Devizes Community Policing and Central CID, justice was served swiftly.
