A prolific burglar who walked into TikTok’s headquarters in London and stole mobile phones worth more than £18,000 is facing jail.
Robert Smith, 38, spent more than an hour walking around the social media giant’s London offices at 180 The Strand after sneaking into the building.
Southwark crown court heard he swiped 54 handsets worth £18,585 during the afternoon raid on July 22, 2021.
Smith pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary, and could face a prison term when he is sentenced next month.
The court heard he has convictions for 24 previous burglaries on his record, mainly at business premises and one at a residential home.
"On July 22 2021 at TikTok headquarters in London, Mr Smith stole 54 phones in total, worth over £18,500," said prosecutor Lynn Fanshawe.
The sentencing hearing was delayed on Monday until February 9, when prosecutors are set to argue he should face a spell behind bars.
"This is seriously aggravated by what appears to be a career of burglary," said Ms Fanshawe.
"The custodial threshold is well and truly passed, and immediate custody must be a consideration."
Defence barrister, Joe Hingston, said Smith is the primary carer for his two children, and he will argue for a suspended sentence at the hearing next month.
"I cannot say a custodial sentence is ruled out, particularly given the defendant's previous convictions," said Recorder Alex Lock.
"It certainly seems like something the Crown would be submitting is appropriate, and I agree more information is required as to the defendant's childcare responsibilities and what would happen in circumstances where a custodial sentence is imposed.
"I'm content to adjourn to allow information to be gathered."
Smith, from Bermondsey in southeast London, was granted bail until the sentencing hearing.
He pleaded guilty to theft at a hearing in June last year.
