Crook caught with 48 nicked phones said his housemate was mending them

A man caught with 48 phones stolen from pubs and restaurants in London has been jailed for 20 weeks.

Katien Rejise, 39, had 48 mobile phones, 33 laptops and tablets, six Apple AirPods, two Rolex and Tag Heuer watches and 34 other items including wallets and bank cards.

None of the items belonged to him and were worth in excess of £100,000 in total, the court heard.

Rejise pleaded guilty to six counts of handling stolen goods at Westminster Magistrates court on 18 May, just two days after he was arrested.

City of London police officers arrested the 39-year-old on 16 May on suspicion of theft from licensed premises.

Officers attended his home address and found a huge haul of items inside.

In the back garden, officers also found another 29 mobile phones stashed in a chest of drawers.

During his police interview, Rejise claimed the items must have belonged to his roommate who allegedly repairs items such as laptops and phones.

He refused to comment when officers asked why the items were being stored in his wardrobes.

Detective Sergeant Gary Moore said: ‘Rejise could not provide a realistic explanation as to why he had all these stolen goods in his possession, which ultimately has landed him with a prison sentence.

‘This case should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can get away with stealing or handling stolen goods that officers will find you and you will be brought to justice.

‘We want the City to be a safe place for everyone to work, visit and enjoy and we’d encourage everyone to follow some essential crime prevention advice to deter opportunistic thieves.

‘For example, if you’re enjoying after work drinks, try to leave any valuables in a work locker or secure place.

‘If you do have to take these items with you, keep them close by and don’t leave anything unattended.

‘Criminals are very organised and will seek to blend in to their environments to take advantage of unattended belongings.’

Rejise, of Penrhyn Grove, Walthamstow, north London, admitted six counts of handling stolen goods.

He has been locked up for 20 weeks.