£900,000 Leeds jewellery shop heist: Three found guilty of robbery conspiracy

THREE men have been found guilty of a robbery conspiracy in which high value watches worth almost £1m were stolen at gunpoint at jewellery stores in Leeds and London.
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Estonian nationals Alar Kajurand, 26, Rainis Kilk, 26, and Tamair Uibopuu, 30, were found guilty of conspiracy to rob after a trial at Leeds Crown Court.

The jury of eight women and four men took just over seven hours to reach guilty verdicts by a majority of 10-2.

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The jury was unable to reach a verdict in relation to a fourth defendant, Raigo Malm, 39.

Recorder Michael Slater discharged the jury.

Prosecutor Timothy Capstick told the court Malm would face a new trial. The case was adjourned until Monday

The conspiracy involved robberies at Berry’s jewellery store on Albion Street, Leeds, on March 24 and Watches of Switzerland on Oxford Street, London, on February 25 this year.

The robbery at Berry’s happened just after 6pm

The jury heard how Kajurand was caught on CCTV wearing a wig as he approached the security door before producing a gun as staff and security guard backed away.

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Kilk and Uibopuu then entered the store armed with hammers and smashed glass display cases before taking watches.

Members of the public detained Uibopuu on Albion Street while Kajurand and Kilk caught a train to Manchester from Leeds rail station.

The prosecution claim Malm was not present at either of the robberies, but was involved in planning both raids.

The robbery at Watches of Switzerland on Oxford Street, London, took place just after 6pm on Wednesday February 25.

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The jury was shown still images from CCTV footage and were told one of the images showed two robbers in the doorway of the premises.

Mr Capstick said one image shows Kajurand carrying what appears to be a handgun in his right hand.

The court heard six Cartier watches worth just under £30,000 were stolen in that robbery.