By Salma El-Sakka
Three men have been jailed for a series of smash-and-grab robberies targeting luxury fashion stores in London’s West End that caused an estimated £1 million in damage and stolen goods.
Three Men Sentenced
At Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, Max Tyson, 26, and Ryan Brough, 34, were each sentenced to three years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit burglary. Harry Johnson, 25, received a sentence of one year and 10 months after admitting to handling stolen goods.
Two Others Receive Suspended Sentences
Sonny Stringer, 29, and Olivier Ndayizeie, 36, were given suspended sentences at the same hearing after pleading guilty to handling stolen goods and encouraging or assisting an offence, respectively.
Five Stores Targeted Over Three Months
The gang struck five designer boutiques between November 2025 and January 2026, using stolen cars to ram through storefronts before looting the premises. The targeted stores included YSL on Bond Street, Bottega Veneta and Loro Piana on Sloane Street, and End on Broadwick Street.
Largest Haul at Loro Piana
During the raid on Loro Piana on 16 December 2025, the thieves stole more than 105 items — including handbags, clothing, boots, and a coat worth over £30,000 — with a total value of nearly £385,000. Police said the stolen merchandise was often resold at a fraction of its retail value; messages showed Tyson once received just £1,800 for items worth more than £30,000.
Investigation and Arrests
Metropolitan Police Flying Squad officers identified the group through CCTV, forensic evidence, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition footage. One vehicle used in a ram-raid was insured to Ndayizeie, of Freegrove Road, Islington, while DNA from the scene matched Tyson, of St Peters Street, Islington. Investigators tracked Tyson to a shop in Cornwall where he had fled, finding receipts in his name showing stolen goods had been resold for thousands of pounds.
Tyson and Brough, of Courtney Road, Islington, were arrested on 23 January 2026, the day of the final raid at the YSL store on Bond Street. Stringer, of Essex Road, Islington, was arrested on 26 January, while Johnson, of Tilney Gardens, and Ndayizeie were detained on 10 February.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Will Wigzell of the Met’s Flying Squad said the robberies had a lasting impact on businesses, staff, and the wider community, causing significant emotional and financial harm. He described the group as an organised crime gang that carefully planned offences using stolen vehicles and mopeds to evade detection, but were brought to justice through a detailed investigation.
