Jailed: Man who stole mobile phone from Chaplain in Birmingham

Renaldo Archer pleaded guilty to a number of offences, including theft, vehicle interference and possession of a class B drug, during his trial at Birmingham Crown Court on January 17.

The 42-year-old, of no fixed address, had targeted the Chaplain as she sat on a bus in Birmingham city centre on July 3 last year and took the phone from the woman’s pocket before getting off the bus.

The dedicated pick-pocketing officers from Operation Taurus worked alongside National Express CCTV Operators to obtain footage of the incident and the suspect was identified by the team, with Archer subsequently arrested and later charged with theft.

Archer pleaded guilty in court to theft and other offences of theft from a motor vehicle, vehicle interference, possession of a class B drug and obstructing a police officer and was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison.

PC Amy O’Connor, from Operation Taurus, said: “Pickpocketing is not a petty crime as some believe, it can knock the confidence of people who travel on public transport and in the city. 

"It has a real and lasting impact on them.

“We often carry out operations targeting pickpockets and thieves in the city centre as part of our ongoing commitment to keep our city safe.

“I would encourage everyone to be on the lookout for the tricks and tactics that pickpockets use so they can help protect themselves and keep their property safe."