Video Footage of Shepherd's Bush Ram Raid Released

Man detained by members of the public jailed for part in robbery


Police have released dramatic footage of the ram raid that took place in Shepherd’s Bush last October following which members of the public apprehended one of the robbers.

34-year-old Ben Wegener was set upon by locals after he attempted to flee the scene and has now been sentenced to 10-years' imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, 16 January after pleading guilty to robbery, dangerous driving, and possession of offensive weapon, criminal damage and receiving stolen goods at a previous hearing.

At around 5.20pm on 25 October 2019, Wegener and two accomplices drove a black Range Rover through the front Smart Jewellery shop on Uxbridge Road, smashing the windows and narrowly missing the people inside.

The robbers got out of the vehicle and then smashed the glass display cases using a sledgehammer and a hammer, and put items of jewellery into bags. By this time, a large number of onlookers had gathered outside. Having ransacked the store, the gang attempted to flee the scene running towards Shepherd’s Bush Green. Wegener failed to escape after slipping and was detained by passers-by despite threats made by the robbers. Police say knuckle dusters were also used to threaten members of the public. His two accomplices remain at large.

Shepherds Bush Ram Raid



The Range Rover used by the robbers was recovered by police, and found to have been stolen from an address in Wandsworth earlier that month, and displaying false number plates.


A group tackle one of the gang on the Uxbridge Road

Detective Constable Sam Weller of the Central West Robbery Squad, who led the investigation, said: “This was a reckless robbery committed in front of shoppers on a busy high street. It was sheer luck that no one was seriously injured when the vehicle smashed through the shop front, and the shop owner and customers were threatened with serious violence when the robbers where inside.


Police arrive at the scene to complete an arrest

"The raid was thwarted by members of the public who chased down and held Wegener as he tried to escape. This was a terrifying incident for the victims and everyone who witnessed it unfold, and Wegener will now spend a significant period of time in jail.”

DC Weller added: "Unfortunately, his two accomplices left the scene and remain outstanding. We will continue to pursue leads in order to identify them, and we would urge anyone who has information about those people to contact police."
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the outstanding suspects is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC quoting CAD 5782/25 Oct.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.


January 17, 2020