Met officers conducted warrants last Friday, 30 August relating to a robbery at a post office on Brabazon Road in Hounslow in April of this year.
During the incident, a man is alleged to have entered the post office and threatened the shopkeeper with a firearm while demanding cash. He is believed to have forced one of the staff members to access the safe room where he is suspected of stealing £136,774.44. Witnesses alleged that the suspect ordered both employees into a back room where he removed the CCTV hard drive, before escaping.
As part of the investigation, officers discovered that the alleged robbery was potentially part of a wider conspiracy involving additional people.
Detectives pursued lines of enquiry and specialist officers executed search warrants at several locations in London, Surrey and Hampshire.
Four people, including two men aged 38 and 65 and two women aged 39 and 44 were arrested for:
– Conspiracy to steal;
– Conspiracy to possess criminal property;
– Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
The 65-year-old man was released on bail while the other three people were charged with the above offences and remanded in custody by Wimbledon Magistrates. They will next appear at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 27 September.
A man has been charged previously in relation to this matter.
Detective Inspector Ari Yoganathan, who is leading the investigation, said: “We know our communities stand firm with us against the use of firearms and support us in our efforts to tackle robbery.
“We are committed to reducing crime that impacts our communities and keeping residents, businesses and staff safe.”
Under A New Met for London officers are intensifying efforts to reduce crime, particularly robbery and firearm offences, while actively engaging with the local communities to foster collaboration and trust.
Officers and staff continue encourage residents to voice any concerns and help us create safer neighbourhoods for everybody. If anyone has information or wishes to report a crime, they can call 101 for non-emergencies, or dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can report a crime through our website.
