Prolific West End pickpocket who targeted tube travellers is put behind bars

A prolific West End pickpocket, who targeted evening Tube travellers, has been jailed for 30 months.

Laurentiu-Valentin Trocan, 38, of Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on July 5.

Trocan’s actions first came to the attention of British Transport Police on January 21 this year, after a victim had a purse stolen at Piccadilly Circus Tube station.

The same day, the defendant also targeted another passenger at Holborn station, stealing a phone.

The following month, on February 9, Trocan stole a mobile phone and a quantity of cash from a passenger on a Tube train between Leicester Square station and Russell Square.

Then on March 15 and 18, he stole two more mobile phones from London Underground passengers at Tottenham Court Road.

Trocan was initially arrested on February 27, after plain clothes officers patrolling the network identified him as being wanted in connection to theft.

He was released on police bail as investigators prepared a case for trial, during which he committed further offences.

When he returned from bail on April 11, he was arrested for the additional thefts.

During police interview, Trocan contested CCTV evidence, claiming the footage did not resemble him. However, at court he admitted the five counts of theft.

He was also ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

Detective Constable Jennifer Brown from British Transport Police, said: “Trocan is a blight for London Underground passengers.

He is well known by police for this type of behaviour and I completely welcome this custodial sentence. Thanks to overwhelming evidence against him, he had no choice but to plead guilty to the five charges.

“Pickpockets should see this prison sentence as a warning.

“Trocan was identified thanks to our excellent plain clothed officers who routinely patrol the London Underground.

“They’re experts in identifying and cuffing offenders. We will continue to work hard to root out pickpocketing and ensure that perpetrators are handed tough sentences.”

Mandy McGregor, head of Transport Policing at Transport for London, said: “We’re working closely with the police to target criminals who are pickpocketing across the network.

“This crime will not be tolerated and we hope that Trocan’s sentencing sends a clear message that we can catch offenders and we will push for the strongest action against people who steal from our customers.

“We’d like to remind all customers to keep an eye on their belongings and keep bags and rucksacks closed, as well as reassuring everyone how seriously we take their safety and security.”