Pickpocket targeted mums with pushchairs and the elderly in three-month spree

A ‘prolific’ pickpocket who targeted mothers and the aged successful much than a twelve offences has been jailed.

Fazi Zemmour, 36, repeatedly travelled much than 100 miles from London to Birmingham metropolis centre to people victims implicit the people of 3 months past summer.

One of his victims was distracted helping an aged comparative erstwhile helium struck, portion respective of the others were mums looking aft children successful pushchairs.

Described successful tribunal arsenic a ‘smooth’ and ‘skilful’ thief, Zemmour besides utilized an accomplice to distract his targets by lasting adjacent them.

It’s believed helium stole £5,000 worthy of mobile phones, galore of which helium swiped from radical portion they were buying successful Birmingham’s Bullring buying centre.

He was arrested successful December arsenic portion of a ‘proactive’ anti-pickpocketing cognition by West Midlands Police.

The 36-year-old, of nary fixed address, admitted 8 thefts, 3 attempted thefts and 1 number of fraud by mendacious representation.

Appearing astatine Birmingham Magistrates’ Court this week, helium was sentenced to 16 months successful prison.

PC Amy O’Connor of West Midlands Police said: ‘Pickpocketing is not a petty transgression arsenic immoderate believe. It tin person a lasting interaction connected the victims.

‘I’d promote everyone to beryllium connected the lookout for the tricks and tactics that pickpockets usage truthful they tin assistance support themselves and support their spot safe.’

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