Police officers from Southall have helped bring down an organised crime gang linked to more than 70 robberies and burglaries across a number of areas in South East England.
The gang targeted shops for tobacco and cigarette products in a series of raids that police said left businesses facing losses worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
During some of the robberies, shopkeepers were threatened with knives and broken bottles. In one case, a victim was assaulted badly enough to suffer injuries consistent with grievous bodily harm (GBH).
The investigation involved the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad, Southall Safer Neighbourhood officers, Thames Valley Police and Surrey Police.
Eight men were sentenced at Reading Crown Court last month (24 April 2026) after admitting conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to commit burglary.
Charanjit Singh received the longest sentence of 12 years in prison. Karan Sahota was jailed for nine years and nine months, while Jagdev Singh received eight years.
Gurjot Singh was sentenced to seven years and 11 months, Ranjit Singh to six years, Ramneek Singh to five years and three months, Sukhdeep Singh to four years and six months, and Yuvraj Singh to two years and nine months.
The eight men were jailed for a combined total of more than 56 years.
Police said the wider investigation has so far resulted in 16 convictions, with total prison sentences reaching 74 years. Detectives added that enquiries are continuing and more suspects could still face court proceedings.
In a posting on Met Engage, Inspector Leigh Ballard, of West Area BCU’s Southall cluster, said: “This result reflects the dedication, professionalism and relentless hard work of officers across multiple forces working together to dismantle a dangerous organised crime group. These offenders used violence and intimidation to target hardworking members of our community, causing significant harm and fear.”
He added: “We remain fully committed to protecting the public and supporting local businesses, and we will continue to pursue those involved in serious organised crime to ensure they are brought before the courts.”
