Flying Squad detectives arrested four men in the act of robbing a mobile phone shop in Kilburn on Tuesday evening as part of a broader operation to combat commercial robberies targeting telecom retailers.
The incident occurred at 5:25 PM at the EE store on Kilburn High Road. The suspects, wearing surgical masks and hoods, entered the shop and threatened staff, demanding they open safes containing high-value mobile devices.
Swift Police Action
Two of the men detained staff and customers on the shop floor, while the other two forced a staff member to open the storeroom. The group began loading phones into bags but were intercepted by Flying Squad officers, who arrived swiftly on the scene and detained them before they could flee.
The four men, aged 21, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested on suspicion of robbery. They remain in police custody.
Collaborative Operation Against Robbery
The arrests are part of a coordinated effort between the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad and telecom industry leaders, including EE, following a surge in high-value robberies at mobile phone stores across London.
This collaboration has led to the arrest and charge of eight men linked to 10 robberies and one attempted robbery. Proactive deployments, such as the operation in Kilburn, have been key to disrupting these crimes.
Impact of Robberies
Detective Inspector Nikki Owen from Flying Squad West emphasized the significant impact of such crimes:
“Robbery involves theft by use of force. While the industry counts the financial losses, the repercussions for victims and witnesses are deep and lasting.”
She added:
“Under ‘A New Met for London,’ we are intensifying efforts to reduce crimes that matter most to the community, particularly robbery, while actively engaging with local communities to foster collaboration and trust.
Warnings About Stolen Phones
Detective Inspector Owen also highlighted the issue of stolen mobile phones being sold on social media platforms or in small shops, and sometimes even shipped overseas. She urged the public to be cautious:
“Purchasers may lose their phone if it is identified as stolen property, as IMEI numbers are recorded by the industry.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, and officers continue to work closely with telecom industry partners to prevent and disrupt further crimes.
Members of the public with information about mobile phone thefts or suspicious sales are encouraged to contact the police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
This arrest underscores the Met’s dedication to tackling violent crimes and restoring public trust.
