Another Harrow restaurant was ram raided in the space of two days, as Tonito’s, a well-known Italian eatery on Uxbridge Road in Hatch End, has been named as another victim. This incident was prior to a similar attack on a fast food outlet on Rayners Lane, Harrow.
Police have confirmed that the same vehicle, a black BMW with fake license plates, was used in both crimes. Footage of the incident at Tonito’s was uploaded by Hatch End Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman and shared on the Harrow Online Group, with more footage to be shared this evening.
In the other incident on Rayners Lane, a spokesperson for the Met Police stated, “At approximately 04.40hrs on Thursday 8th August, a dark coloured BMW was driven through the front window of a fast food outlet on Rayners Lane, Harrow.
“The sole occupant of the BMW was then seen to exit the vehicle and steal a cash register from inside the premises, before re-entering the vehicle and driving away in the direction of Harrow View and Long Elms.”
Regarding the ram raid at Tonito’s, the Met Police said, “At approximately 02.47hrs on Tuesday 6th August 2024, a vehicle was driven through the front window of a restaurant on Uxbridge Road in Pinner, causing extensive damage to the front of the premises.
“A cash register was also stolen from inside the venue, before the vehicle was driven away from the scene. The vehicle involved, a black BMW X3, was found abandoned five days later in Grove Road Harrow by local Neighbourhood Officers from Hatch End, who were on routine patrol. The vehicle was on false plates, and was seized for further examination.
“Our investigation into this matter, and the similar incident that occurred on Rayners Lane, is ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist either investigation, is asked to call 101 and quote reference: 01/683365/24.”
Claudia Olar, owner of Tonito’s, commented on the incident, “Restaurants around here do not keep cash, cash payments are extremely rare lately, the damage to both sides (car and window) is much more than what they can find in the till. He found £10 in the till. The window cost is £1,600.”
Police urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward and assist with their investigations.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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