The Met has attempted to smash a network of suspected young burglars who are accused of hitting 48 retail premises in London over a seven-month period - including last month's raid on the Apple Store in Covent Garden.

As revealed by El Reg, seven moped riders and motorcyclists, most carrying pillion passengers, smashed their way into the glass-fronted Apple outlet at 1am on 9 October, nabbing fondleslabs and other kit.

At the time coppers apprehended two suspects, both of whom have now been charged with burglary at the Apple Store and have appeared in court: a 16-year-old male from EC1 who pleaded guilty, and Paul Fearn, 21, of Goswell Road, EC1, who pleaded not guilty.

Police are awaiting the outcome of their proceedings, but a Met spokesman said the pair are understood to be linked to a wider gang it is investigating over a spate of break-ins in the capital.

"Between 13 and 25 October, officers from Westminster executed a number of search warrants in connection with 48 burglaries of retail premises in central London and the theft of 35 high-powered motorcycles," a spokesman told The Register.

"Five people have been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary (from April to the dates of their arrest)," he added.

The individuals charged include Lizzie Andrews, 18, of Flat 56 Grayson House, Radnor Street, EC1, who appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on 14 October, and Anthony Clarke, 26, of Flat 33 Colinsdale, Camden Walk, N1, who appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Others include Reece Jackson, 18, of no fixed abode, and 19-year-old Steven Dedman, of 19 Wharton Street WC1. Jackson and Dedman appeared before City of Westminster magistrates on 25 and 29 October respectively. Bradley White, 19, of 22 Prichard Court, George's Road N7, attended City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 1 November.

No further details were available at the time of writing. ®