London Pub Thieves Jailed After CCTV Captures Brazen Bag Thefts
Two prolific thieves have been sentenced to prison after being caught on CCTV brazenly rifling through people's bags in a London pub. Majazy Latif, 25, and Youcef Aliouat, 32, posed as customers to snatch a laptop left by the bar on August 14, 2025.
Sneaky Theft Operation Uncovered
Footage from the Cannon Street venue captured the pair pulling a chair in front of a pile of unattended bags and placing their own rucksack amongst them. After ordering drinks, the two men systematically went through people's belongings and stuffed the laptop into another bag held up by Latif.
The sneaky ploy went completely unnoticed by other pubgoers, allowing the thieves to get away unscathed with pints still in hand. Days earlier, Latif and a different accomplice had stolen another laptop from a bar in Aldgate, demonstrating a pattern of criminal behavior.
Substantial Criminal Activity Revealed
According to City of London Police, Latif stole approximately £14,250 worth of personal property between August 5 and September 25. The criminal has now been sentenced to 23 months behind bars after pleading guilty to nine separate counts of theft.
He was also handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from entering the City of London for five years. Aliouat received an 18-month prison sentence for stealing nine laptops between August 14 and October 6, along with his own five-year CBO prohibiting entry to the Square Mile.
Professional Criminals Targeting Pubgoers
PC Pradip Gurung of City of London Police stated: "These are professional criminals who took their time when preying on other people's belongings and transferring valuables from their victims' bags to their own."
"The thieves operated with remarkable audacity, standing by the bar and committing their crimes while their victims were just nearby having a drink. People shouldn't have to worry about getting their bags stolen while they're out, but professional criminals will take any chance to take your belongings."
Police Warning to Londoners
The officer emphasized that Latif and Aliouat spotted opportunities and calmly stole from others while blending in to look like ordinary City drinkers. Police are urging the public to remain vigilant when in pubs and bars across London.
"If you leave your belongings in a bag pile, please don't stray too far away from it and keep a close eye on your possessions," advised PC Gurung. "Please be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately to help prevent similar crimes."
The case highlights the importance of personal property security in busy London venues, particularly during evening hours when pubs are crowded and distractions are plentiful.
