Latest news with #OperationTaurus
The Independent
08-04-2025
- The Independent
Pickpocket performs bizarre dance moves to steal from victims
A thief who distracted his victims by dancing has been jailed following an investigation by the West Midlands Police. Anis Bardich, 27, targeted four people in Birmingham city centre from July to August 2024 stealing their wallets and phones after confusing them with his dance moves. Officers from the anti-pickpocketing Operation Taurus identified Bardich using facial recognition technology on CCTV footage. He was convicted of four counts of theft and four counts of fraud by false representation, at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday 27 March, and sentenced to 24 weeks in prison. He was ordered to pay £2,240 in compensation to the people he stole from.
The Independent
07-04-2025
- The Independent
Dancing pickpocket jailed in Birmingham
A thief who distracted his victims by dancing has been jailed following an investigation by the West Midlands Police. Anis Bardich, 27, targeted 4 people in Birmingham city centre from July to August 2024 stealing their wallets and phones after confusing them with his dance moves. Officers from the anti-pickpocketing Operation Taurus identified Bardich using facial recognition technology on CCTV footage. He was convicted of four counts of theft and four counts of fraud by false representation, at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday 27 March, and was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison. He was also ordered to pay £2,240 in compensation to the people he stole from.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Yahoo
Robberies 'fall in Birmingham city centre' but work to stop thugs continue
Robbery offenses have fallen in Birmingham city centre over the last year, said West Midlands Police. The force said there were 130 fewer robberies in the city centre in the 12 months up until February, compared to the same period in the previous year. Police said the decline was due to proactive community engagement, high-visibility patrols and targeted plain-clothes operations to "deter criminals and stop offences happening". READ MORE: Man killed as car hits wall in Wolverhampton as police seal off street Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here It said the force was also bringing "swift justice to offenders" and ensuring that those who do engage in violent crime "face the consequences". Detectives solved 11 per cent more robbery cases compared to the same period year. Inspector Scott Taylor said: 'We are continuing to work with a proactive approach to tackling robbery. "We're pleased to see a reduction of the offence. "However, the work continues to tackle this distressing crime." On January 22, officers arrested two men on suspicion of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon after a call from a member of the public witnessing the crime in progress. A force spokesperson added: "A rapid and well-coordinated response resulted in the offenders being detained, the victim was safeguarded and the offenders are being brought to justice. "Both men pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on March 4. "We also recently launched our proactive crime team in the city centre. "Operation Taurus officers carry out operations targeting offenders in the city centre as part of our ongoing commitment to keep our city safe."
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
Prolific Birmingham pickpocket who ‘targeted mums and carers' jailed
A "PROLIFIC" pickpocket has been jailed after he carried out a dozen offences in Birmingham city centre, targeting women and the elderly. Fadi Zemmour preyed on one victim while they were distracted helping an elderly relative while a number of his other targets were looking after youngsters in pushchairs, West Midlands Police said. Officers from Operation Taurus, the force's proactive pickpocketing team in Birmingham city centre, spotted the series of thefts and their investigations led to Zemmour being identified. The 36-year-old, of no fixed address, was travelling to Birmingham from London to commit the crimes over three months last summer He was arrested in London on December 12 before being brought back to the West Midlands to face justice. He admitted eight thefts, three attempted thefts and one fraud by false representation when he appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 17 December. Earlier this week (January 28), he was jailed for 16 months at Birmingham Crown Court, with the judge saying he posed a risk to the public. PC Amy O'Connor, from Op Taurus, said: 'Pickpocketing is not a petty crime as some believe, and it can have a lasting impact on the victims. "I'd 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."
