Edenbridge robber jailed and watch returned to owner

A robber who pretended to be a police officer, pulled over a taxi and stole a designer watch has been jailed.

Jake Shields initially denied any involvement in the robbery but was forced to plead guilty when confronted with the overwhelming evidence against him.

In the early hours of 8 February 2026, a taxi carrying a passenger in his 20s pulled over on Lingfield Road, Edenbridge, to allow Shields to pass.

Shields pulled alongside the vehicle in his white Vauxhall Corsa, blocking it in.

He told the occupants of the cab that he was a police officer and asked the driver to turn off the engine.

Threats made

Shields exited his vehicle and spoke to the men through the window.

He tried to take the driver’s phone and became annoyed when he refused to hand it over.

The thief threatened the victims, telling them he would ‘stab them’ and ‘blow up the car’.

Fearing for their safety, the passenger handed over a Tissot Seastar watch and Shields left the scene.

Officers immediately launched an investigation and later seized the Vauxhall, which was easily identified by its distinctive black roof. A mobile phone belonging to Shields and the stolen watch was found within.

The 30 year old was arrested at his home address in Godstone, Surrey, on 6 March and was later charged with robbery, attempted robbery and possession of cannabis.

Shields, of Easter Way, initially denied any involvement in the incident and even accused family members of taking his vehicle without consent to commit the crime.

Sentenced

After being shown the overwhelming evidence against him, he later pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 21 August.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Nell Shortis, said:

‘In interview, Shields vehemently denied his involvement in the crime and painted himself as a hardworking family man who would never dream of committing such a ‘disgusting’ crime. ‘He even accused extended family members of his wrongdoings. ‘However, officers had worked diligently to secure evidence of the vehicle involved being Shields’ hire car, used phone data to place him at the scene of the crime, and found the reported stolen Tissot stashed in plain view in the central console of the hire vehicle. ‘We were pleased to return the watch to its owner, as it was a birthday gift from his parents for a notable birthday, and hope that both victims are comforted by Shields being behind bars.’