A robber who held up Barclays bank in Hounslow High Street at knifepoint has been jailed for three years.
Zhao Wan, of Sigrist Square, Kingston, initially told staff at the branch he was waiting for someone on the morning of February 12.
But the 29-year-old then approached two cashiers, produced a large kitchen knife and ordered staff to hand over money. He was given nearly £2,000, which he placed in a black bag.
When another member of staff tried to approach Wan as he left the store, the robber held the knife out in front of him and said 'get out of my way', before making his escape.
Officers from the Flying Squad reviewed CCTV footage and found an image of Wan smoking a cigarette. They found the cigarette stub and were able to match the DNA on it to him.
Wan, who had been staying in a guest house prior to the robbery, eventually handed himself in at Hounslow police station on February 22.
He admitted robbery and possession of a bladed article and was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Monday to three years imprisonment.
DC Alex George, of the Flying Squad, said: "This was a frightening ordeal for the members of staff who were threatened with a knife for Wan’s financial gain.
"Our investigation quickly identified Wan as the person responsible. His prison sentence should be a warning; if you commit violent crime the consequences are severe."
Mark Weirich was jailed earlier this month for robbing a woman's handbag in Chiswick and then throwing his bike at her when she chased after him.
