Square Mile Ban: Thief Locked-Up

A prolific thief, who deliberately targeted bags and phones of victims in the City of London, is starting a two-year prison sentence.

Hamza Kalouache, 34, frequented pubs, train stations and other public places, heartlessly snatching peoples' valuable personal property.

After leaving prison he must comply with a two-year ban from entering the Square Mile after a Criminal Behaviour Order (CRIMBO) was imposed.

He was sentenced for his most recent known thefts of a bag from a pub in Watling Street and a mobile phone and wallet at King's Cross Station.

Kalouache has eight similar previous convictions since 2020

City of London Police said a CRIMBO was necessary to protect members of the public, due to the serious nature of his offences.

Inspector Dan Green, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime team said: “Hamza Kalouache’s criminal activity in the City of London will have caused a significant level of harassment and distress for his victims.

“He is a professional thief, targeting the valuable property of victims who are frequenting Public Houses within the City of London and showed no signs of stopping his criminal activities. 

This CRIMBO will aim to prevent him from committing similar offences and act as a deterrent for reoffending.

“We will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice and we will use all of our resources to help prevent and deter any further criminal activities.”

If Kalouache breaches his CBO, he could face further jail time.