Jail for Gang That Robbed Putney Mobile Phone Shop
Spate of raids prompted some retailers to lock doors
The gang storming into an EE store. Picture: Met Police
November 10, 2025
Ten members of a gang responsible for a violent robbery at the EE store on Putney High Street and a string of similar crimes across London have been jailed.
Just before closing time on 3 November 2024, masked members of an organised group entered the local EE mobile phone shop and threatened staff to gain access to secure stockrooms. They made off with high-value mobile phones and devices, part of a coordinated campaign that targeted at least 13 shops between September and November.
The gang’s tactics were consistent: arriving in groups, wearing hoods and masks, and using intimidation to bypass security protocols. Staff were left shaken, with some reportedly detained during the raids.
The Putney incident was one of several EE store robberies, including locations in Eltham, Balham, Notting Hill, Chiswick, Clapham, and Fulham. The gang also targeted a Three store on Holloway Road. In total, they stole devices worth approximately £240,000.
Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad launched a complex investigation involving CCTV analysis, forensic evidence, and mobile phone data. The breakthrough came in November, when officers arrested four suspects mid-robbery at an EE shop in Kilburn. Searches at linked addresses uncovered stolen devices and further evidence tying the group to the wider campaign.
Ten men were charged and sentenced at Kingston Crown Court in November 2025, receiving a combined total of more than 55 years in prison. Sentences ranged from two years (suspended) to ten years for conspiracy to rob and attempted robbery.
In the wake of the Putney robbery, some retailers in the area reviewed their security procedures, with a few adopting locked-door trading policies during late hours.
Alex Towers, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at BT Group, praised the Met’s efforts. He said, “We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers extremely seriously and have long collaborated with law enforcement on cases like this.”
Detective Constable Stephen O’Connell, who led the investigation, said, “We know how much distress these crimes cause to staff and the impact on businesses. We’re dismantling criminal networks at every level.”
Ten men were convicted in connection with the mobile phone shop robbery campaign, including the Putney High Street incident.
Conspiracy to Rob:
- James Adodo, 24, Dartford, Kent — 10 years
- David Akintola, 24, Woolwich — 6 years 6 months
- Michael Babo, 24, Woolwich — 6 years 10 months
- Robert Hills, 21, Gravesend, Kent — 5 years 3 months
- Ayomide Olaribiro, 22, Manor Park — 4 years 6 months
- Nelson Joel, 27, Dartford, Kent — 3 years 3 months
- Olabiyi Obasa, 29, Dartford, Kent — 3 years 6 months
- David Okewole, 24, Northfleet, Kent — 7 years 6 months
Attempted Robbery:
- Laville Bloise, 24, Thamesmead — 2 years (suspended)
- Mushtakim Miah, 25, Woolwich — 8 years 6 months
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