A man has been jailed following a string of violent robberies in north London.
Darren Loizou, 44 (16.12.71), of Tenterden Road, N17 appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, 8 July and was sentenced for four counts of robbery committed between 26 April and 10 May 2016 in Tottenham. He was jailed for six-and-a-half years.
Loizou targeted pharmacies across north London. During the first two incidents, on Tuesday, 26 April and Monday, 9 May, he threatened store staff with a knife while demanding that they hand over cash.
On the afternoon of Monday, 9 May he committed his third offence where he not only threatened staff with a knife, but enhanced his threat by stating that he had a gun.
Officers from the Met’s Flying Squad launched an investigation into the linked series of offences.
On Tuesday, 10 May, Flying Squad officers visited the venue of one of the offences on White Hart Lane, N17. While the officers were inside the venue taking a statement from staff they heard an aggressive male voice shouting: “Open the till, Give me the money!!”
The officers ran from the office into the store where Loizou stood brandishing a knife. Unemployed, Loizou ran from the store and officers gave chase. Following a brief pursuit on foot, Loizou was arrested on suspicion of robbery.
A search of his home provided the clothing he was wearing during the previous robberies.
Detective Constable David Reed, said: “Detectives from the Flying Squad who were investigating this string of offences happened to be in the venue when the masked knife wielding suspect struck for the fourth time.
“In order to protect the staff and public, the officers bravely challenged the suspect and gave chase disarming and detaining him after a short foot chase. This sentence today means a dangerous individual will be off the streets of London for a considerable time and shows the commitment the Met’s Flying Squad has in reducing robberies in London and bringing such criminals to justice.”
Loizou appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 12 May charged with three counts of robbery and one attempted robbery where he pleaded guilty.
He was remanded in custody to appear for a pre-trial hearing at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 9 June where he again pleaded guilty.
