Eight youths targeted 42 Carphone Warehouse stores across London and surrounding areas
A gang of eight youths who stole around £150,000 worth of stock from Carphone Warehouse stores around London and surrounding areas have been sentenced.
The group, ranging from 15 to 22 years old, took mobile devices from 42 of the retailer’s stores between July and December 2012. As well as stealing £150,000 worth of stock, they caused £55,000 worth of damage.
During the attacks, the public and shop staff were intimidated, with mothers forcibly separated from their children as the gang violently wrenched the stock complete with wires from displays.
Jahreau Shepherd, 22, of Orsett Street, Lambeth (pictured) was sentenced to four years imprisonment and Ugo Wilson, 21 of Aviation Drive, Barnet was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment.
Emmanuel Kakala, 18, of Cargreen Road, Croydon was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years and 80 hours community service. Samuel Warnes, 20 of Egleston Road, Merton, Surrey was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years, and 12 months supervision.
Perry Hedges, 18, of Howard Road, Kingston was sentenced to 26 months detention in a young offenders institution. The three remaining members, who cannot be named as they are under 18, received 10, 18 and 12 months detention and training respectively.
The operation, code-named ‘Astley’, saw three members of the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit (NMPCU) – Detective Sergeant Lee Dempster, Detective Constable Charles Clawson, and Detective Constable Carlo Narboni – commended by the judge.
The same team was involved in ‘Operation Minogue’ which saw 12 youths convicted in February for robbing high street mobile phone shops.
NMPCU Detective Inspector Mark Loving said: “This case should act as a warning to anyone involved in this type of activity that the Met and NMPCU will robustly and swiftly deal with those who use intimidation to fulfil their greed.
“We have worked closely with key business partner Carphone Warehouse and local boroughs impacted by these offences, to obtain vital evidence and reduce the fear of crime created by these offences.”