Twelve people have been charged in relation to a string of thefts that targeted Apple stores in London, including one adult and 11 teenagers.
iPhones and other expensive goods were stolen during the wave of thefts that occurred in 13 different places in just two and a half weeks.
The accused face a total of 24 charges for conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to steal. Additional charges include possession of Class A and Class B drugs, as well as breach of bail conditions.
According to the Met Police, among those charged are three 15-year-old boys from Lambeth, a 17-year-old from Lambeth, a 17-year-old from Bromley, a 14-year-old from Croydon, a 13-year-old from Lambeth, and a 16-year-old from Cambridge.
They appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 22, alongside two other teenagers: a 13-year-old from Lambeth and a 14-year-old from Bromley, both of whom also face drug possession charges.
An 18-year-old man, Layth Al-Darraji, of no fixed address, and a 17-year-old from Merton, also appeared in court. Al-Darraji faces conspiracy charges, while the 17-year-old is additionally charged with possession of a Class A drug.
The thefts occurred at Apple stores across London, with incidents reported at locations including Battersea Power Station, Regent Street, Brent Cross, and Watford between the 19th December, 2024, and 6th January, 2025.
This follows the earlier arrests of one man and four boys after police responded to an attempted theft of 50 iPhones from Brent Cross on January 5. These individuals, including 18-year-old Mycah Omo-Idahosa of Lambeth, were already charged with robbery but now face additional conspiracy charges.
The investigation into the coordinated robberies highlights growing concerns over organised retail crime targeting high-value goods. All suspects are now set to face trial.
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