Fake Deliveroo Rider Jailed For Theft
Moped-enabled crimes were committed by Wandsworth man
A man who disguised himself as a Deliveroo driver to commit robberies has been jailed. Michael Ahmed, 25, of Grayshott Road in Wandsworth wore a Deliveroo jacket and carried a Deliveroo delivery bag, even though he had no affliliation to the company.
Above: Michael Ahmed
After pleading guilty, he was sentenced on Friday to five years for robbery, five years for attempted robbery, and four years for possession of a firearm to run concurrently.
When committing his crimes, Ahmed also taped up a letter and digit on his moped's registration plate in the hope that it would not be recognised by police and ANPR cameras.
At 20 minutes past midnight on 30th November lat year Ahmed got off his moped on Lancelot Place in Westminster and walked up to a 17-year-old youth who was parking his car. He threatened the youth with a stunning device and demanded his watch. The victim ran away as Ahmed began searching the inside of the car and took the car keys before leaving.
A short time later, just before 1am, Ahmed pulled up outside the Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge and approached a 25-year-old man who was parking his car. Ahmed demanded that the driver give him everything he had and tried to touch him with the stun device. A struggle ensued in which the victim felt a sharp pain in his right hand, possibly from the stun gun, but he managed to disarm Ahmed, who ran back to his moped and fled.
Detectives from Operation Venice, which is dedicated to tackling moped-enabled crime, carried out the investigation. DNA was taken from the stun device and positively identified Ahmed as the perpetrator of both crimes.
Officers also searched an address in Wandsworth associated with Ahmed and seized his motorcycle helmet, jacket and delivery bag. The moped was found across the street, hidden under a cover.
On 17 December officers searched an address on Huntingfield Road in Putney where they found Ahmed hiding in the loft. He was arrested on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery, possession of a Section 5 firearm, two counts of burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.
Detective Constable Simon Pleavin, from Operation Venice, said, "Michael Ahmed was ruthless in his attempts to rob unsuspecting people and was prepared to inflict harm on them by using a stunning device.
"Police are taking every opportunity to arrest and prosecute those involved in moped-enabled crime as this result proves. Ahmed's lengthy sentence curtails his violent offending and he faces the next few years in prison.
"Our officers are committed to keeping the public safe and are determined that such offenders are brought to justice."
February 26, 2019