One man has been jailed and another is awaiting sentencing following a successful bag theft operation carried out by the Angel Town Centre team in Islington.
Following analysis of theft hot spot locations in the Angel, the team conducted an undercover operation at the Arc Public House on a busy Friday evening, 15 January 2010.
Shortly after 20:00, two men entered the venue, stole a laptop case and left. They were swiftly detained and arrested by officers.
A subsequent search revealed several other items on the men including a mobile phone which enquiries traced back to a theft from Camino’s in Kings Cross an hour and a half earlier.
During interview by the Angel team including the officer in the case – PC Colin Walker, one of the men – Khatir Aid denied any involvement in either theft or of knowing the other male. Subsequent CCTV footage obtained from both venues showed the suspects working together. The males were subsequently charged and appeared in court on 18 January 2010 where they both pleaded guilty to both offences.
Khatir Aid, dob 1.4.2010 – aged 26, a French national, of no fixed abode was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment.
William Birkett, dob 24.4.1984 – aged 25, a French national, of no fixed abode, has been released on bail for sentencing.
Sergeant Sarah Galpin leads the team of eight PCs and two Special Constables (volunteers) who are permanently attached to the team. The team, who are funded by the Angel Business Improvement District, tackle crime and anti-social behaviour affecting businesses in the Angel area.
Sergeant Galpin said: “This is an excellent job by the Angel Town Centre team. It shows that we are listening and responding to the needs of local businesses by helping to tackle theft in the Angel.”
Christine Lovett, Director of the Angel BID said: “I am delighted that the Angel BID police team are so effective in helping our businesses at the Angel to fight theft and shoplifting. We want the Angel to be a no go area for criminals.”
For more information about Islington Police go to www.met.police.uk/islington.
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