Cardiff jewellery thief jailed for five years after stealing up to £50,000 worth of jewellery.
Remiah Fyffe-Gayle, 29, from London, travelled to Cardiff on 22 April and entered the Pravins store in St David’s Centre. Staff became suspicious when he asked to see a number of diamond rings which he claimed were for an upcoming engagement.
He was shown three rings, which he suddenly grabbed and headed for the exit. A security guard had positioned herself at the door and tried to grab Fyffe-Gayle, but he struggled with her and managed to escape. The total value of the rings taken was £53,000, but the thief dropped one ring worth £9,000. One of the workers chased him through the city centre and onto St Marys Street before losing him. By following the suspect, officers were able to obtain CCTV footage more quickly to track the man and establish his route.
After the theft, Fyffe-Gayle met up with two accomplices in Westgate Street and was seen on CCTV changing his clothes before taking a taxi back to London.
Detective Constable Seren West said: “This was a very fast-moving investigation involving a number of forces working together. The investigation uncovered two further jewellery thefts committed by Fyffe-Gayle in East London prior to his visit to Cardiff. The total value of the rings he stole from the three shops was in the region of £85,000.
Crimes of this nature showed that he had planned this theft in advance. Several employees at each of the jewellery stores gave evidence which showed that there was a pattern to his offences and the bravery of the staff has led to the custodial sentence for the three thefts.
Fyffe-Gayle later pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and common assault and was sentenced to a total of five years in prison.
