Four thugs jailed for savage smash-and-grab at Hastings phone shop
Masked Mob Raid Three Store in Broad Daylight
On December 11, 2024, a gang of three masked men launched a brazen robbery at the Three mobile phone store on Station Road, Hastings. Dressed in dark tracksuits with their faces covered, they forced their way into the stockroom and ripped off tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of phones from a secure safe.
Staff were threatened during the chaotic raid, and a female shopper was pushed to the floor as the gang made their desperate getaway. A fourth man waited outside acting as lookout in the getaway car, adding to the violence and fear in Hastings town centre.
High-Speed Police Chase Ends in Arrests
Sussex Police’s Roads Policing Unit smashed into action, coordinating with Kent Police and the Metropolitan Police to track the fleeing crooks across county lines. Their daring chase ended in Bexleyheath, South East London, where the gang’s vehicle was stopped and all four men arrested.
Hastings CID investigators recovered crucial evidence and the stolen phones, delivering a sharp blow to the gang.
Lewes Crown Court Hands Down Jail Sentences
On April 25, 2025, the quartet pleaded guilty to robbery and dangerous driving. Lewes Crown Court sentenced each to three years behind bars and disqualified them from driving for two and a half years.
- Daniel Larbi, 21, Brackenbury Road, Hammersmith
- David Larbi, 19, Brackenbury Road, Hammersmith
- Rio Charlton, 22, Butler Street, West Bromwich
- Gavin McCormac, 20, Otterbourne Court, Halesowen
Police Praise Cross-Force Teamwork
Chief Inspector Simon Yates, Hastings District Commander, said: “We responded swiftly to reports of a robbery in Hastings town centre and, thanks to the combined efforts of Sussex, Kent, and the Metropolitan Police, we were able to track and apprehend the suspects quickly.”
“This case demonstrates the professionalism and teamwork between forces and ensures these men are now behind bars.”
