Flying Squad Cracks Down on Violent Phone Theft Ring
The Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad has successfully dismantled a sophisticated criminal network responsible for a string of violent robberies targeting mobile phone stores across London. The gang's crime spree culminated in a combined prison sentence of 55 years for ten men, following a decisive operation in Kilburn.
The Kilburn Sting and Nationwide Spree
CCTV footage captured the moment officers moved in on the group as they entered an EE store on November 19 last year. This led to the immediate arrest of four suspects at the scene. Detectives from the elite Flying Squad unit quickly unravelled the full extent of the gang's activities, revealing they were responsible for a total of 12 robberies.
The criminal operation primarily focused on EE stores, including branches in Clapham, Notting Hill, and Holloway Road. Their method involved using threats of violence to coerce staff into opening secure stock rooms, allowing the gang to steal high-value mobile phones and other electronic devices. The total value of stolen goods was a staggering £240,000.
How the Gang Was Brought to Justice
Following the Kilburn sting, a meticulous investigation was launched. Officers were able to definitively link the suspects to the crime scenes through a combination of DNA evidence, call data records, and vehicle tracking. Subsequent searches of addresses connected to the gang resulted in the recovery of stolen devices and further evidence that cemented their involvement in the conspiracy.
All ten men were subsequently charged and their cases were heard at Kingston Crown Court. The final sentences were handed down on Friday, November 7, nearly a year after the initial arrests.
The full list of defendants and their sentences is as follows:
Those who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on Thursday, January 30:
- James Adodo, 25, of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent: 10 years’ imprisonment
- David Akintola, 25, of Samuel Street, Woolwich: 6 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
- Michael Babo, 25, of Gilbert Close, Woolwich: 6 years and 10 months’ imprisonment
- Robert Hills, 21, of Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent: 5 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
- Ayomide Olaribiro, 22, of Warrior Square, Manor Park: 4 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
- Nelson Joel, 28, of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent: 3 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
- Olabiyi Obasa, 29, of Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent: 3 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
- David Okewole, 24, of Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent: 7 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
Laville Bloise, 25, of Goldcrest Close, Thamesmead, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery on Monday, August 18 and received a 2-year sentence, suspended for 2 years.
Mushtakim Miah, 25, of Artillery Place, Woolwich, was found guilty of attempted robbery on Thursday, August 21 and was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.
