Robbers who stole over £100,000 targeting cash in transit vans have been sentenced to a total of more than 50 years in prison.

The gang-of-10 stole the cash in eight robbery and attempted robberies of cash in transit vans in Mitcham, Streatham, Wallington, and Croydon between January 3 and June 10 last year.

On all occasions force was used against security guards to snatch cash boxes, which were later broken into and the cash contents stolen. Much of this cash was stained with security dye.

Loomis security vans targeted at locations including Comet in the Purley Way, Croydon, Sainsbury's in Stafford Road, Wallington, and Lidl in Beddington Gardens, Wallington.

An attempted robbery of a G4S security van took place outside Bestways, in Beddington Farm Road, Beddington.

An investigation codenamed Op Tejat was launched by the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad based at Barnes.

Detectives carried out surveillance and forensic work, leading to the arrest of the ten robbers on or shortly after August 24 last year.

Nine of the gang pleaded guilty to robbery at Kingston Crown Court. Ben Ebenzer Sampson, 22, of Mitcham pleaded not guilty, but was convicted of conspiracy to rob.

Detective Constable, Will Roscoe of Barnes flying squad, said: "This was a prolific gang of robbers specifically targeting cash in transit vans and custodians.

"I have no doubt they would have continued this course of action if it were not for a detailed and targeted operation to identify and arrest them. Their convictions and sentences represent a significant success for the Barnes Flying Squad and the MPS in our Total War on Crime."

The 10 men were sentenced yesterday.

Isaac Gaise, 23, of Ashbourne Road, Mitcham, Surrey was jailed for eight and a half years.

Samuel Carrol, 25, of Franklin Crescent, Mitcham, Surrey was jailed for seven and a half years.

Lucien Ongui, of St James Crescent, Brixton, was jailed for six and half years.

Hamisi Muwanga, 22, of Parkview Drive, Mitcham, was jailed for three years.

Michael Deegan, 27, of Gloucester Road, Croydon, was jailed for four years.

Darren Emmanuel, 20, of Isham Road, Streatham, was jailed for three years and four months.

Ben Ebenzer Sampson, 22 , of Thornville Grove, Mitcham, was jailed for four and a half years.

Craig Morris, 22, of Freelands Avenue, South Croydon, was jailed for four years.

Daniel Wright, 20, of Blackshaw Road, Tooting, was jailed for four years.

Miguel Manning, 22, of Phipps Bridge Road, Mitcham, was jailed for five and half years.