Hampstead ‘smash and grab’ moped raiders caught in the act
Smash and grab raiders were unaware they were being followed by police - Credit: PA Archive/Press Association Images
Two moped riders who were carrying out a smash and grab burglary at a Hampstead convenience store were unaware police were tracking their every move.
Undercover officers became suspicious when they spotted the two mopeds racing in convoy up Haverstock Hill at around 1:40am on November 19.
They alerted the Met control room and CCTV operators and then began to follow them.
Unaware they were being trailed, the mopeds, with two riders on each, travelled down Pond Street and stopped outside a food and wine shop in South End Road, South End Green.
Two men wearing crash helmets jumped off the bikes and started smashing the front door and shutters of the shop while two others kept watch.
A police spokesman said: “Officers pulled up next to the males and immediately two men jumped back onto a moped and made off.”
He said the other two raiders tried to flee the scene but were chased by the officers on foot and arrested.
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Tony Moran, 23, of no fixed abode and Michael McDonagh, 19, of Sycamore Gardens, Tottenham, appeared before Highbury magistrates on November 20.
Moran who admitted attempted burglary, taking a motor vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified and without insurance, was remanded in custody and wil be sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on December 7.
Mcdonagh, who admitted a charge of attempted burglary, was bailed to reappear at Highbury Magistrates Court for sentencing on December 11.
