In a story that sounds more like a Hollywood heist than a London crime report, three men have now been jailed for violently ambushing pedestrians in some of the capital’s most exclusive neighborhoods — all for the sake of expensive watches.

Over a single day in June last year, the trio prowled the upscale streets of Mayfair and the West End, targeting well-dressed individuals wearing luxury timepieces.

Their brutal tactics and quick getaways may have helped them at the time, but justice has finally caught up with them.

A Day of Violence and Theft in the Heart of the City

On June 25, 2024, Tedros Haile (35), Mahad Jammeh (24), and Christian Whittingham (27) launched a series of calculated attacks.

Dressed in face coverings and using a white BMW as their getaway car, they roamed central London looking for targets.

One of their first victims, Michail Rivas, was standing outside the Rolls Royce showroom on Stratton Street when the group pounced.

They surrounded him and ripped a Mido Baroncelli Moonphase Chronograph worth £1,000 off his wrist.

But for Rivas, the value wasn’t just monetary — the watch held deep sentimental meaning.

He later admitted he was so shaken that he didn’t even feel safe leaving his flat the next day.

Second Attack Turns Even More Violent

Later that same evening, the men struck again, this time targeting Mark Jackson and Oliver Wragg in Brewer Street.

The two men had just enjoyed a night out watching football and were wearing short-sleeved shirts that showed off their watches — a detail that apparently made them easy prey.

Jackson was blindsided, struck hard on the back of the head, and then punched repeatedly.

He remembered hearing the attackers yelling “get his watch” and even one shout to “stab him in the face.”

Meanwhile, Wragg was grabbed from behind in a chokehold and forced to hand over his £600 Audemars Piguet replica. The gang fled again in the same BMW.

Long Criminal Pasts Catch Up With Them

The three men weren’t unknown to law enforcement.

Jammeh already had 11 robbery convictions stretching back to when he was just 15 years old.

Haile had been on a suspended sentence for a past burglary — a break-in where a woman was home at the time.

Their crime spree came to an end with long prison sentences:

Haile was sentenced to 11 years.
Jammeh received eight years.
Whittingham, the final gang member to be sentenced, was handed 10 years and six months at Southwark Crown Court just last week.

Judge Condemns Coldly Planned Attacks

Judge Christopher Hehir didn’t mince words during sentencing.

He emphasized how methodical and calculated the crimes were, pointing out that the group actively sought out individuals wearing pricey watches.

He described the attacks as planned group assaults, where multiple men ganged up on unsuspecting victims.

Haile admitted to one robbery but was found guilty of an additional robbery and an attempted robbery.

Jammeh and Whittingham admitted to two robberies and one attempted robbery each.

Police Celebrate Victory Against Violent Street Crime

Detective Inspector Lizzie Beeston, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said the outcome should bring relief to the community.

“These were violent offenders who are now off our streets,” she said.

“Every robbery leaves a lasting emotional impact on victims — this wasn’t just about stolen property, but trauma too.”

She added that the case fits into a broader strategy under the New Met for London Plan, which includes setting up local teams to tackle robbery hotspots across the city.

A Warning to Other Would-Be Thieves

This case isn’t just about punishment — it’s also a message.

The days of roaming London for easy targets may be numbered, as police sharpen their focus on robbery and street violence.

For residents and visitors alike, there’s some comfort in knowing that these offenders are no longer free to terrorize the streets.

Let me know if you’d like headline suggestions next!