A brazen thief who prowled a train station eyeing up targets has been jailed after his tactics were spotted.
Hossein Rabah patrolled around searching for his opportunity.
The shameless 34-year-old then pounced after spotting a couple eating in a restaurant and swiped the man’s bag.
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But officers were watching his every move and immediately leapt into action to arrest him in St Pancras station, central London.
Rabah, of Hackney, north London was arrested by British Transport Police officers in plain clothes.
The following day, he pleaded guilty to one count of theft at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and was jailed for 36 weeks.
CCTV footage captured the moment he entered Kineya Mugimaru Japanese restaurant and stood behind a man and woman having dinner, as reported by Need To Know.
Seconds later he bent down and carefully swiped the man’s rucksack, before fleeing.
The officers immediately arrested Rabah for the daylight robbery and handed the rucksack back to the victim.
British Transport Police Sergeant James Ashby said: “Rabah roamed St Pancras station looking for any opportunity to steal, but he was completely unaware that our eagle-eyed officers were attuned to his plan.
“It’s no coincidence that we were able to strike the moment Rabah committed his crime.
“Thankfully he is now behind bars and the victim was immediately reunited with his bag which contained around £600 worth of his possessions.
“Our officers are in key locations on the rail network every day in plain clothes, so even if you don’t see us, we are there keeping you and your belongings safe.
“If you spot someone acting suspiciously as you travel, please report it to us by texting 61016.”
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