Pickpockets caught red-handed after ‘bumping into’ victim
UXBRIDGE SECURITY AND POLICE COMBINE TO CATCH THIEVES WITH STOLEN PHONES
TWO pickpockets who targeted their victims in Uxbridge have been found guilty of theft and handling stolen goods.
Andriyana Nikolaeva, aged 26 and of no fixed abode, and Stafani Yordanova, 19, also of no fixed abode, used the tactic of bumping into their victims before stealing from them.
Uxbridge magistrates heard on Monday April 4 that security at the west London town’s Business Improvement District was contacted following a report of a stolen mobile phone – the victim claimed she had been ‘ bumped into’ prior to her phone being stolen.
Following CCTV enquiries, Nikolaeva and Yordanova were identified, tracked and located at Uxbridge Tube Station.
The stolen mobile phone was found on Nikolaeva along with two other mobile phones. The pair were arrested and charged before they appeared at the magistrates’ court.
Nikolaeva received a 26-week suspended sentence and was ordered to pay costs amounting to £213, while Yordanova received an 18-week sentence, suspended for two years, and was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £213.
PC Tracey Fane, of the Uxbridge town centre team said: “This is a clear demonstration of good collaboration with the Uxbridge BID security and the local police.
“We will continue to protect Uxbridge town centre from thieves and we are hoping that this will send a clear message for those who come into the town centre to commit crime.
“Please be aware of this type of act by pickpockets, and please report anything suspicious to the police or alert the security staff ”