Elderly Masked Duo Snatch £15k Rolex in Daring Jewel Heist
Just before 11.30am on Monday 27 September 2021, two men turned heads on Epping High Street — but for all the wrong reasons. Wearing hyper-realistic, full-face latex masks that made them look like elderly gents, they stormed into a jewellery shop and struck terror.
Staff Threatened, Tied Up, and Rolex Stolen
The pair forced their way inside by threatening staff. They dragged a gagged employee to the office, tying them to a chair with cable ties. Then, bold as brass, they ripped a valuable Rolex right off their wrist.
Not done yet, the duo wielded a knife and a hatchet axe, ransacking staff areas before raising the alarm. They then fled in a waiting vehicle parked outside, clutching their loot.
Masked Men Busted Weeks Later with Evidence in Boot
Weeks on, police on patrol in Canvey Island stopped a vehicle linked to the robbery. The driver, George Murphy-Bristow, had two identical latex masks and outfits in the boot — the same as those worn by the robbers. A black duffel bag held the stolen hatchet, knife, and cable ties.
George was arrested on the spot. Forensics found saliva inside the masks, matching DNA to George and his older brother Benjamin Murphy, cementing their involvement.
Brothers Convicted After Swift Jury Verdict
Both men, from Dewey Road, were arrested in June 2021. They refused to answer questions but were charged with robbery and possession of bladed articles.
At Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court, Benjamin, 37, and George, 28, denied all charges. However, after a three-day trial at Basildon Crown Court, the jury took just over an hour to find them guilty.
- Benjamin Murphy was handed 18 years for robbery and two counts of possessing bladed weapons.
- George Murphy-Bristow got 13 years for robbery, two bladed weapon charges, plus going equipped for theft.
Detective Inspector Yoni Adler, who led the probe, said: “Benjamin Murphy and his brother George Murphy-Bristow planned this robbery, using masks to avoid detection.
“But careful forensic work and proactive policing linked them directly to the crime.
“I want to thank the store’s staff for their support after an undoubtedly frightening incident. I hope they can now move on.”
The stolen Rolex, worth a whopping £15,000, remains missing.
