Michael McIntyre robbery: Ex top counter terror detective details how attackers could have been stopped and how you can avoid becoming a target yourself

Michael McIntyre was robbed by a gang while picking up his children from school
Daily Mirror
Sophie Williams6 June 2018
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An ex-top counter terror detective has detailed how Michael McIntyre’s attackers could have been stopped and how people can avoid becoming a target themselves.

David Videcette, an ex-Met Police cop turned terror and security consultant, has suggested the comedian was "specifically targeted" by the moped thugs who smashed up his Range Rover and stole his £15,000 watch in Golders Green.

He added that the attackers were wearing dark clothing and gloves and driving a moped with its number plate removed in a bid to evade police and that "oblivious" bystanders could have banded together to help him.

"Wake up! You outnumber these yobs and could have done something," the security expert tweeted, adding that there were simply not enough police to stop this epidemic.

Targeted by moped gang: Michael McIntyre
PA

Mr Videcette said it was plausible that the star had been “specifically targeted” as he had stopped to pick up his son which is part of a regular routine.

The driver’s side window was attacked with a hammer and he advised that in this situation, you should “drive off or move, don’t be a passive target” as windows on vehicles are “surprisingly strong.”

The moped used in the robbery had its number plate removed meaning that it is likely stolen and also can’t be tracked to the gang, according to the security expert.

“It also can’t be linked to the scene after its left. So even if police do recover it, they can’t say it’s the one used in robbery.”

In footage of the incident, people could be seen on the street. Mr Videcette said that with the amount of onlookers around, they could have done something to stop the gang.

“Even if you take photos and video of what’s going on, do something. Video and photos help police if you make them aware of it,” he said.

Mr Videcette said that "we are all targets" and that members of the public should vary their routines to avoid being a target.

“Not planning for these events is why we become easy targets," he said.

“Michael had an expensive watch, much has been said about it, but we are all targets. Our phones are worth several hundred pounds each. They want them.”

He also warned that “this is becoming the new normal on London’s streets, a subculture of yobs on mopeds who think they can act with impunity.

“There are simply not enough police to fight this epidemic. We’ve all got to help each other.”

Video footage released shows the moment the gang approach Mr McIntyre’s car and forced him to hand over his watch.

After the group ride off, the comedian can be seen comforting one of his sons.

One witness, who did not want to be named, told the Mail: “The guy at the front of the moped started to hit the driver’s window about ten to 15 times and it eventually just cracked.

“He opens the door and gets Michael McIntyre out of the car. Michael fell but he was trying to put up a fight.”

On Tuesday morning, Mr McIntyre’s wife told reporters the comedian was doing “fine” following the incident.

The Met Police said they were called to North End Road just before 2pm.

The force said in a statement: "The victim was stationary in his car when two males on a moped smashed the car windows with a hammer before stealing property.

"No injuries were reported."

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