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Unusual tactics in the world of pickpocketing
In an unexpected twist to the world of street crime, a thief in Birmingham has been sentenced to jail after being caught on CCTV using bizarre dance moves to distract his victims. Anis Bardich, 27, employed a unique strategy that involved busting out unusual dance routines to confuse unsuspecting individuals while he stealthily picked their pockets.
This incident highlights the lengths to which some criminals will go to execute their plans, showcasing a blend of creativity and deception.
How the thefts unfolded
Between July and August of last year, Bardich targeted four individuals in Birmingham’s bustling city center.
According to police reports, he would approach his victims, attempting to engage them with his dance moves. As he twirled and swayed, he simultaneously reached into their pockets, lifting wallets and mobile phones without them even realizing it. This method not only distracted the victims but also allowed Bardich to operate under the radar, making it difficult for them to notice their belongings were gone until it was too late.
The investigation and consequences
West Midlands Police, through their Operation Taurus, began investigating the series of thefts after noticing a pattern in the reported incidents. Utilizing facial recognition technology, officers were able to identify Bardich as the culprit. After being apprehended, he faced multiple charges, including four counts of theft and four counts of fraud by false representation.
On March 27, he was sentenced to 24 weeks in jail and ordered to pay £2,240 in compensation to his victims. This case serves as a reminder of the serious repercussions that can arise from seemingly harmless antics.
Raising awareness about pickpocketing
PC Amy O’Connor from Operation Taurus commented on the incident, emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding pickpocketing tactics. She stated, “As you can see from the video clip, pickpockets adopt various tricks and tactics to steal people’s property. I would encourage everyone to be on the lookout for these techniques so that they can keep their belongings safe.” The police force reiterated their commitment to identifying and apprehending those involved in such crimes, as the impact of pickpocketing can be long-lasting for victims.
