Partners In Crime Banged Up

Thieves: Robles (l) & Roca (r)

A pair of thieves, who acted together to snatch a laptop bag from a Leadenhall Market pub in the heart of the Square Mile, have been locked-up.

John Luis Fajardo Robles, 55, (pic. l.) and Edwin Roca, 49, (pic. r.) struck in the City of London as plain-clothed police officers watched their suspicious movements.

At approximately 6.20pm on Thursday, February 19 Robles was observed entering the pub and emerging seconds later with the bag as Roca acted as look-out.

Robles is now starting a twelve-month prison sentence for theft after also admitting further offences within the Square Mile.

He also pleaded guilty to theft of a bag at a pub in Fish Hill Street on January 12 and to theft of a bag at another pub in Leadenhall Market on January 21.

Roca received sixteen weeks imprisonment.

The two thieves were seen meeting back up when police stopped and arrested them.

Officers located the owner of the bag inside the pub, who didn’t realise it had gone missing, and his belongings, with a value of around £1,335, including a laptop, were returned to him.

Sergeant James Wood, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team at the City of London Police, said: “Opportunistic crimes, such as bag and phone thefts, will have a significant impact on the people who have their possessions stolen.

“We will continue our work in targeting criminals, including having our plain-clothed officers blending in with revellers out in the nighttime economy, looking out for offenders, intercepting them and making arrests.

“The extensive CCTV network across the City and inside pubs and bars, also helps us in identifying offenders and getting evidence of their criminality.

“People shouldn’t have to worry about getting their bags stolen while on a night out, but professional criminals will take any opportunity to take your belongings, if your back is turned for even a second. 

“We would ask members of the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.”