Twelve Charged Over Wave of Armed Robberies at London Apple Stores
Teen Gangs and Adult Nabbed in Apple Store Heists
London has seen a shocking spree of thefts at 13 Apple stores over just over two weeks. Police have charged 12 people—eleven teenagers and one adult—with conspiracy to commit robbery and stealing. The raids hit top spots including Regent Street, Brent Cross, and Battersea Power Station.
Heavy Charges: Drugs, Bail Breach and More
- 24 counts of conspiracy to commit robbery and theft
- One charge of possession of a Class A drug
- One charge of possession of a Class B drug
- One breach of bail
The accused include several minors from London boroughs like Lambeth, Bromley, Croydon, and Merton, plus an 18-year-old named Layth Al-Darraji, currently without a fixed address.
The Full List of Those Charged
- Three 15-year-old boys from Lambeth
- 17-year-olds from Lambeth and Bromley
- 14- and 13-year-olds from Croydon and Lambeth
- 16-year-old from Cambridge
- Two boys charged with drug possession, aged 13 and 14
- 17-year-old from Merton with a Class A drug charge
- Layth Al-Darraji, 18, no fixed address
All were produced at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 January.
Series of Strikes: Targeted Locations and Dates
- Battersea Power Station: 19 Dec 2024, 1 & 3 Jan 2025
- Regent Street: 20, 21, & 26 Dec 2024
- Brent Cross: 26 & 30 Dec 2024, 2 & 5 Jan 2025
- Bromley: 27 Dec 2024
- Bentalls Centre: 4 Jan 2025
- Watford: 6 Jan 2025
Earlier Busts After Massive iPhone Heist Attempt
On 5 January, police nabbed one man and four boys after a bungled attempt to pinch 50 iPhones from Brent Cross.
- Mycah Omo-Idahosa, 18, Lambeth
- Two 15-year-old boys from Lambeth
- 14-year-old boy from Croydon
- 16-year-old boy from Cambridge
They face new charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and theft, with appearances at Willesden Magistrates’ Court.
Police Call It a Coordinated Crime Spree
The Met Police confirm the robberies involved well-planned, organised gangs. Officers praised their speedy arrest efforts and are hunting for the stolen goods.
“The rapid response by officers has been key,” a police spokesperson said. “We urge anyone with info to come forward.”
If you know anything, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact police directly.
