Four men have been jailed for their roles in a high-value and violent robbery at a mobile phone store in Hastings, which saw staff threatened and a female shopper injured during a dramatic midday raid.
Smash-and-Grab at Three Store
On December 11, 2024, three masked men stormed the Three mobile phone store in Station Road, Hastings, forcing their way into the stockroom and stealing tens of thousands of pounds worth of mobile phones from a secure safe.
Wearing dark tracksuits and face coverings, the assailants threatened employees and created chaos in the store. During their escape, the gang pushed a woman to the ground, causing further distress in the town centre.
A fourth man waited outside in a getaway car and acted as the lookout.
Multi-Force Pursuit and Arrest
The incident triggered a rapid response from Sussex Police’s Roads Policing Unit, which tracked the suspects fleeing the county. A coordinated police operation with Kent Police and the Metropolitan Police resulted in the group’s vehicle being stopped in Bexleyheath, South East London.
All four men were arrested and charged shortly after the incident. An investigation by Hastings CID led to the recovery of critical evidence and the mobile phones.
Court Sentencing
Appearing at Lewes Crown Court on April 25, 2025, the men all pleaded guilty to robbery and dangerous driving. They were each sentenced to three years in prison and disqualified from driving for two and a half years.
Convicted men:
- Daniel Larbi, 21, of Brackenbury Road, Hammersmith
- David Larbi, 19, of Brackenbury Road, Hammersmith
- Rio Charlton, 22, of Butler Street, West Bromwich
- Gavin McCormac, 20, of Otterbourne Court, Halesowen
Police Praise Coordinated Response
Chief Inspector Simon Yates, Hastings District Commander, said:
“We responded swiftly to reports of a robbery in Hastings town centre and, thanks to the combined efforts of Sussex, Kent, and the Metropolitan Police, we were able to track and apprehend the suspects quickly.
This case demonstrates the professionalism and teamwork between forces and ensures these men are now behind bars.”
