A "steaming" gang who waged an 18-month campaign at businesses in Wandsworth and across south London were jailed for a total of 18 years this week.

The 13 men, aged between 18 and 24 years, stole thousands of pounds worth of DVD related software, electrical goods and cash between December 2000 and April last year.

The gang, calling themselves the "Money Makers", would enter stores en masse and physically and verbally intimidate shop workers before grabbing goods and making off in a number of getaway cars.

DC Daniel Williams from Brixton CID said: "This was a well-organised gang who thought they were beyond the law. The sheer number of gang members and the tactics they used to avoid detection meant this case proved difficult to resolve."

The gang would principally target well-known high street stores, including Halfords on Balham High Road on December 10, 2000.

"They also stole from other specialist stores that were manned by female staff with little or no counter security and a newsagents in West Hill, Putney, in November 2000.

"At least two members of staff from different stores have since resigned from their jobs as a result of the incidents.

Police described the gang as "forensically aware", thwarting their inquiries by dressing in similar clothing, concealing their faces from CCTV cameras and minimising the risk of leaving behind evidence linking them to the crimes.

However, investigations were stepped up at the end of last year resulting in the 13 gang members being arrested and charged with conspiracy to rob.

They were remanded in custody until their trial at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, where they pleaded guilty to various substantive counts of theft.

DC Daniel Williams added: "Operations to combat the gang proved successful and should act as a deterrent to those who engage in this type of crime."

January 29, 2003 10:30