An armed robber has been jailed for eight years after targeting several banks and jewellery stores in the borough.

Glendon Percival, of no fixed abode, admitted to a spate of armed robberies between February 25, and July 3, this year.

The 56-year-old was arrested while committing another armed robbery at H&T Jewellery’s in Edmonton Green Shopping Centre on August 16.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of robbery and attempted robbery for which he was given two eight year jail sentences. These will run concurrently.

The first two of Mr Percival’s five attempted robberies took place in Enfield.

At 5.00pm on Monday, February 25, the man entered Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society in Church Street, Enfield, and handed over a handwritten note.

The note demanded the money to be handed over with “large notes first” whilst pointing a fake green handgun at the workers. He made off with £2,225 in cash.

Percival made off with £8,000 from Nationwide Building Society in Aldermans Hill, Palmers Green, on Wednesday, March 20.

In similar fashion to the previous incident, the man handed over a note which read: “Don’t make no noise.” He then said to the female cashier: “Give me your money” whilst pointing a gun at her.

Two more attempts were made to embezzle funds at banks in East London and Turnpike Lane. 

However on neither occasion did Percival make off with any cash.

His final attempt was at the jewellers in Edmonton Green shopping centre where he was subsequently arrested.

Detective Inspector Holly Simon said: "The officers who detained Glendon Percival need to be recognised and commended on their bravery; despite seeing and knowing that he was in possession of a firearm they challenged and detained him in a professional and safe manner.

"This was whilst being in a crowded shopping area and where no harm came to members of the public.

"It also needs to be commended that the professionalism and dedication of the North East Branch's Flying Squad and particularly DC Paul Weaver has led to another successful prosecution of a dangerous armed criminal."

He was given eight years for robbery offences and eight years for the possession of firearms on each case. This is to run concurrently.