CCTV footage shows moped gang who struck in Newham carrying out smash-and-grab robbery

CCTV of a moped gang smashing their way into a mobile phone shop in a spree of raids including one in Newham has been released by police.

Police believe the mob, armed with hammers, knives, angle grinders and a battering ram, carried out 17 burglaries in stores across east and north London.

The 3 Store in High Street North, East Ham. was one of the gang’s targets.

In the footage they can be seen arriving on scooters, wearing helmets and dark clothing, before smashing their way inside and ransacking the stockroom.

During one of the robberies a witness was threatened with a firearm and security staff were beaten as they guarded the shops overnight, police said.

The total value of the stolen electronics and damage to the properties was estimated by officers to be about £1million.

Ten men have either admitted or been found guilty of taking part in the burglaries, which took place between May and November last year.

They aill be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Superintendent Sean Yates, of Operation Venice which investigates moped-enabled crime, said: “These men are very dangerous criminals who have targeted a chain of mobile phone shops across central and east London. This case has led to dangerous individuals being taken off the streets; ultimately stopping them from committing more offences and causing serious injury to potential victims.

“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict. We are committed to relentlessly pursue those violent criminals who blight the communities they live in.”