A moped gang who carried out a £1million spree of armed raids on mobile phone shops including one in East Ham have been sentenced to a total of 110 years and one month today.
Police believe the mob, armed with hammers, knives, angle grinders and a battering ram, were behind 17 burglaries in stores across east and north London.
Blackfriars Crown Court heard the 3 Store in High Street North, East Ham was one of the gang’s targets.
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 10 men either admitted or were convicted of taking part in the burglaries, which took place between May and November last year.
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 judge’s sentence. We are committed to relentlessly pursue those violent criminals who blight the communities they live in.”
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