Flying Squad detectives arrest four men as part of operation to crackdown on robberies in mobile phone shops

Four men have been arrested after Flying Squad officers swooped in and detained them while they were robbing a mobile phone shop in Kilburn.

On Tuesday, 19 November at 17:25 hours, four men wearing surgical masks and hoods entered the EE mobile phone shop in Kilburn High Road and threatened staff to open the safes containing the devices.

Two of the suspects detained staff and customers on the shop floor whilst the remaining two forced a staff member to open the storeroom.

The suspects proceeded to load phones into the bag but Flying Squad detectives arrived swiftly on scene and stopped them before they could run away.

Four men, aged 24 [A], 27 [B], 28 [C] and 21 [D], were arrested on suspicion of robbery. They were taken to a police station where they remain in custody.

The Met’s Flying Squad officers and telecom industry leads from EE have been working together following a recent increase in high value commercial robberies at mobile phone stores across London.

Data, intelligence and reactive enquiries have enabled officers to conduct proactive deployments, including the one in Kilburn High Road, resulting in the arrest and charge of eight males who are linked to 10 robberies and one attempted robbery.

Detective Inspector Nikki Owen, from Flying Squad West, said: “Robbery involves theft by use of force. Whilst the industry is left counting the financial losses, the repercussions have a deep and lasting impact on victims and witnesses. We will continue to work closely with our communities, partners and industry leads to prevent and disrupt crime. I am pleased to see that joint working is having a positive impact and shows our dedication to rebuilding public trust and confidence.

“Under A New Met for London officers are intensifying efforts to reduce crimes that matter most to the community, particularly robbery, while actively engaging with the local communities to foster collaboration and trust.

“Stolen mobile phones are often shipped overseas but many are sold on social media sites and in small shops. Members of the public need to be aware of unwittingly purchasing stolen phones as the IMEI numbers are recorded by the industry and purchasers may lose the phone if it is identified as stolen property.”