‘Steaming’ gang, who targeted Carphone Warehouse stores in Romford, sentenced

A gang of youths who “steamed” dozens of Carphone Warehouse shops to steal over a hundred thousand pounds worth of handsets and tablets, have been sentenced.

The eight, ranging in ages from 15 to 22, had all earlier pleaded guilty to one offence of conspiracy to commit burglary.

They targeted 42 stores across London - twice raiding the Romford branches - between July and December last year.

The group were arrested by the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit (NMPCU) having stolen around £150,000 worth of stock and caused £55,000 worth of damage during their six-month spree.

The gang typically operated in a large group, meeting up and then travelling together to the target store.

Unwitting members of the public and shop staff were often caught up in the melee as the gang raced around the shops intimidating those who got in their way and violently wrenching stock, complete with wires, from displays.

Jahreau Shepherd, 22, of Orsett Street, Lambeth, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, on Friday of last week, at Southwark Crown Court.

Perry Hedges, 18, of Howard Road, Kingston, was sentenced to 26 months’ detention in a young offenders institution.

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.

Ugo Wilson, 21, of Aviation Drive, Barnet, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment.

Three youths under the age of 18 who cannot be named were also sentenced to detention and training.

Det Insp Mark Loving, from the NMPCU, 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.”