Professional thief jailed and banned from entering the City of London

A prolific bag thief who has targeted people in the City of London dating back to 2020, has been given a two-year prison sentence at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.

Hamza Kalouache, 34, of no fixed address, was found guilty of stealing a bag in a licensed premises on Watling Street in the City and for theft of a mobile phone and wallet at King’s Cross station.

His two-year sentence took into account his historic offences, including eight previous convictions.

One of these convictions was an assault by beating of an emergency worker in 2022, and theft. He received a 20-week prison sentence.

Kalouache was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) and has been banned from entering the City of London for two years.

City of London Police said a CBO was necessary to protect members of the public, due to the serious nature of his offences.

Inspector Dan Green, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime team, City of London Police, said:

“Hamza Kalouache’s criminal activity in the City of London will have caused a significant level of harassment and distress for his victims.

“He is a professional thief, targeting the valuable property of victims who are frequenting Public Houses within the City of London and showed no signs of stopping his criminal activities. This CBO will aim to prevent him from committing similar offences and act as a deterrent for reoffending.

“We will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice and we will use all of our resources to help prevent and deter any further criminal activities.”

If Kalouache breaches his CBO, he could face further jail time.

The Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team focuses on crimes such as theft of bags, phone snatches and shoplifting.

The dedicated team is successfully bringing criminals to justice who prey on those out in the City and proactive arrests are disrupting those involved in serious organised crime.