Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Met Police officers have arrested 10 people as part of an investigation into a series of robberies at phone shops in London and across the south of England.
Flying Squad detectives worked to identify an organised crime group believed to be behind 13 robberies between February and early June.
The arrests are part of the Met’s continued focus on tackling phone robbery and theft across London. As well as targeting organised gangs, officers have also increased patrols in phone snatch hotspot areas.
The Met took on the investigation after identifying a number of similar incidents where suspects stole thousands of pounds worth of new phones from secure store rooms at high street phone stores.
Staff reported being threatened by the suspects who often had their faces covered and were sometimes armed with weapons.
On Thursday, 19 June eight men, aged between 20 and 31, and two 17-year-old boys were arrested at addresses in London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Hillier, who is leading the investigation from the Met’s Flying Squad, said:
“Phone robbery has boomed globally, and London is not immune. There is a concerted effort by criminal gangs to steal phones and sell them overseas as part of a multi-million-pound industry.
“The Met is catching more of these criminals and operations such as this are vital to disrupting offenders who cause fear and misery to shop workers and communities.”
They were charged and remanded in custody with conspiracy to commit robbery.
The Met continues to focus on tackling phone theft across London with increased patrols in hotspot areas and better use of technology to identify perpetrators. A recent two-week focus on prolific offenders resulted in 292 arrests across London.
Details of the offences
Staines High Street on Saturday, 1 March
Ilford High Street on Wednesday, 19 March
Mare Street in Hackney on Sunday, 23 March
St Benedict’s Court in Huntingdon on Friday, 4 April
Orpington High Street on Friday, 25 April
London Road in East Grinstead on Tuesday, 29 April
Alton High Street on Saturday, 10 May
Pier Avenue in Clacton-on-Sea Sunday, 11 May
West Street in Horsham on Saturday, 17 May
The Broadway in St Alban’s on Monday, 2 June
Tavern Street in Ipswich on Thursday, 5 June
Stamford High Street in Lincolnshire on Friday, 13 June
Market Street in Eastleigh on Friday, 13 June
A new way for Londoners to hear about policing in their area is being rolled out by the Met.
Local officers will use Met Engage to provide crime prevention advice, updates on ongoing incidents and investigations, and information about successful outcomes and operations.