Members of an organised crime group have been jailed for total of more than 55 years following a Met Police investigation into a series of robberies at mobile phone shops across London.
Between September and November 2024, detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad worked to identify and arrest members of an organised crime group responsible for at least 13 offences.
The group targeted mostly EE stores, using threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms before making off with high-value mobile phones and other devices. In total, they stole items with a total value of £240,000.
The investigation involved painstaking analysis of CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and mobile phone data.
Detective Constable Stephen O’Connell, who led the investigation from the Met’s Flying Squad, said: “This case shows the Met’s continued determination to tackle organised phone theft and robbery. Officers used forensic and digital techniques to identify and arrest those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We know how much distress these crimes cause to staff and the impact on businesses. We’re dismantling criminal networks at every level, from street-level thieves to organised crime groups – and we will continue to work with retail and industry partners to identify and
The following defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 30 January:
James Adodo, (05.09.00), of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
David Akintola, (20.05.00), of Samuel Street, Woolwich, was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment.
Michael Babo, (15.07.00), of Gilbert Close, Woolwich, was sentenced to six years and 10 months’ imprisonment.
Robert Hills, (09.08.04), of Mayfield Road, Gravesend, Kent, was sentenced to five years and three months’ imprisonment.
Ayomide Olaribiro, (29.04.03), of Warrior Square, Manor Park, was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment.
Nelson Joel, (09.09.97), of St Martins Road, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to three years and three months’ imprisonment.
Olabiyi Obasa, (06.04.96), of Norfolk Close, Dartford, Kent, was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment.
David Okewole, (29.08.01), of Vale Road, Northfleet, Kent, was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment.