Lengthy Sentences for Violent Rolex Robbers
Pair had been involved in twelve thefts of high value watches
Reshaun Nembhard and Asonu McKenzie
August 21, 2023
Two men who went on a spree of violent robberies of high value watches last summer have been given lengthy jail sentences.
In a two-month period Asonu McKenzie and Reshaun Nembhard, both aged 29, committed 12 offences in which they cruised around an area in a silver Audi Q2 looking for people with timepieces such as Rolexes.
The robberies occurred between 25 May and 15 July across various parts of London including the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Wandsworth.
Once a victim was identified, one or two men would get out of the vehicle and approach them from behind. They were then struck on the back of the head with a blunt object. Once the victims were incapacitated, they would have their high value watches removed from their wrists.
The injuries caused to the victims ranged from minor grazes and lacerations, to fractured skulls, with one of the victims still under assessment for potentially losing his sight.
The investigation was led by detectives on the Robbery Investigation Team on the Central South BCU which analysed hundreds of hours of CCTV to identify the Audi and then trace the occupants.
Catching Nembhard involved a four-week manhunt including numerous enquiries at multiple addresses across South London and Essex.
Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and at Southwark Crown Court on 18 August McKenzie received a 14-year jail sentence and Nembhard received a sentence of eight years' imprisonment.
Acting Detective Sergeant Ash Francis, of Central South BCU, said, "I am proud of the investigation that was undertaken by officers of the Robbery team on the Central South borough command unit. This case demonstrates their dedication and tenacity. Their diligent investigation resulted in the arrest and conviction of two violent offenders.
"We are doing everything in our power to ensure that criminals are brought to justice. We understand the impact of robbery on victims and know that the effects are more than just the loss of property. Robbery is a violent and often traumatising crime, and we remain committed to tackling robbery in all of its forms."
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