CCTV footage reveals terrifying moments as criminals use hammers, knives, and Axe during west midlands crime wave

In a series of violent robberies across the West Midlands, a gang of armed thieves has been sentenced to a total of 54 years in prison. The criminals, armed with hammers, knives, and even an axe, targeted businesses including shops, arcades, and a travel agent between November 2022 and June last year. Police have released CCTV footage capturing the shocking moments of the attacks that left staff members terrified and businesses robbed of thousands of pounds.

The four individuals involved, Aaron Day (36), Liam Bell (28), Jordell Duquesney (26), and Richard Gray (42), were all jailed after admitting to conspiracy to rob. Day, Duquesney, and Bell received sentences of 14 years each, while Gray, from Birmingham city centre, was sentenced to 12 years and nine months.

The crime spree began on November 20, 2022, at Shipley’s arcade on West Bromwich High Street. Masked men wielding hammers and knives stormed the establishment, threatening both customers and staff. The gang escaped with thousands of pounds after demanding cash from safes and cash machines. Subsequent attacks included Buzz Bingo in Erdington, Cashino in Birmingham city centre, Co-op Travel in Wednesbury, and Cash Converters in Kingstanding.

In each incident, the criminals displayed a willingness to use violence against workers, holding them hostage before demanding money. The victims were left traumatized, with one stating, “This has completely taken away my confidence.”

The court heard how the gang waited for a safe’s time lock to expire in some instances and fled in stolen cars after each robbery. Detectives pieced together the movements of the criminals through witness evidence, CCTV footage, and tracking mobile phones and cars.

Detective Constable John Marsh from West Midlands Police’s Major Crime Proactive Unit commented on the impact of the crimes, saying, “This was an appalling series of robberies, with violence used and threatened against people going about their business.” The CCTV footage played a crucial role in the investigation, showcasing the weapons brandished and the hostages marched around during the robberies.

The successful conclusion of the investigation and subsequent sentencing highlights the efforts of law enforcement to ensure that dangerous individuals engaging in violent criminal activities are held accountable for their actions. The victims, though left terrified, can take some solace in the fact that those responsible for their trauma are now behind bars.