Two professional pickpockets were caught preying on a ten year-old boy as they targeted passengers at busy Tottenham Court Road Underground station.
Bobocel (L) & Iancu (R)
Romanian pair Daniela-Catita Bobocel, 35, and accomplice Narghita Iancu, 41, covered the youngster's bag with a scarf to hide what they were up to, but were caught by watching police.
Both pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to one count of attempted theft at the West End tube station on July 12.
Bobocel (L) received eighteen weeks imprisonment and Iancu (R) fourteen weeks imprisonment.
British Transport Police in plain clothes were on patrol when Bobocel and Iancu caught their attention.
They noticed they were looking closely at other passengers and their property as they entered and exited the station.
The officers, who are specially trained in identifying those with criminal intent, observed as Bobocel and Iancu approached an elderly woman and attempted to move towards her rucksack.
On that occasion, the woman moved away out of their reach before an offence could take place.
They unsuccessfully targeted two further women before setting their sights on the ten-year-old boy.
Officers watched as they used a scarf to cover his bag and Bobocel put her hand in to steal from it.
At this point an offence had been committed and officers were able to immediately arrest them on the spot.
Inspector Sharon Turner said: “Bobocel and Iancu are professional criminals who quite sickeningly, deliberately preyed on a young child after unsuccessfully attempting to steal from adults.
“Thankfully our specially trained plain clothes officers were able to intercept them in the act and ensure they are now behind bars.
“Passengers should feel reassured to know we have plain clothes patrols like this taking place across the Underground day and night to keep everyone safe. If you ever have any concerns while travelling please do text us on 61016.”
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