A man from Barnet who helped storm dozens of mobile phone shops to steal nearly £150,000 worth of handsets and tablets has been jailed.

Ugo Wilson, 21, was among the eight-strong-gang which targeted 42 Carphone Warehouse stores across the capital between July and December 2012.

The gang, made up of 15 to 22-year-old men, operated in a large group who travelled together to their chosen store.

Members of the public and shop staff were often caught up in the melee. In some cases mothers were forcibly separated from their children as the gang raced around the shops intimidating those who got in their way as they grabbed stock from displays.

They managed to cause £55,000 worth of damage before finally being arrested following an investigation by the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit (NMPCU). 

Detective Inspector Mark Loving said: "This case should act as a warning to anyone involved in this type of activity that the Met and NMPCU will robustly and swiftly deal with those who use intimidation to fulfil their greed.”

All eight pleaded guilty to one offence of conspiracy to commit burglary and were sentenced on Friday March 22 at Southwark Crown Court.

Wilson, of Aviation Drive, Barnet, was jailed for two years and three months. The other offenders come from Lambeth, Croydon, Kingston, Surrey, Wandsworth and Hillingdon.

VIDEO: The gang targeting a store in Charlton.

VIDEO: The gang targeting a store in Essex.