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It's common for thieves to operate at London Underground stations.

Whether you're someone who works in the capital or a tourist exploring it, to a thief you are seen as a potential target.

Last week, British Transport Police (BTP) attempted to crackdown on pickpockets operating across London.

Operation Farrier saw additional patrols deployed on across the Tube network, with plain clothed officers who are experts at detecting suspected pickpockets working with uniformed officers.

BTP caught and charged 11 people with theft related offences and made a further eight arrests in the week. In total, 10 thieves have already been sentenced.

Chief Inspector Andy Wright, from BTP, said: “This was an extremely successful week of action, which has resulted in a number of people being charged with attempting to steal items from passengers. This is a vitally important step in our fight against crime on London’s rail network.

“An equally important part of this week’s action has been educating passengers on how they can keep their belongings safe from pickpockets. This includes keeping valuable items locked in bags, being aware of your surroundings and not leaving items unattended.

“Each day officers were conducting uniformed patrols at stations, supported by volunteers and partner agencies. I am confident that this operation has sent a clear message that the rail network is a hostile environment for criminality.

"We’re aware that some of these pickpockets are part of wider organised criminal gangs which operate across Europe. With each arrest we capture valuable intelligence and this helps us in identifying these gangs and how they operate before taking decisive actions to disrupt their criminal network in the capital.”

The list below shows the 10 thieves who were sentenced last week.

Nelu Cristi Bohuncanu

(Image: BTP)

Bohuncanu, 25, of no fixed address appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday (August 13).

He was jailed for 12 weeks after admitting a charge of attempted theft at Westminster Underground station.

Genoveva Petcu

(Image: BTP)

Petcu, 47, of no fixed address appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday and was jailed for 18 weeks.

She pleaded guilty to attempted theft at Westminster Underground station. The court heard she was working with Bohuncanu.

Nicolae Dragomir

(Image: BTP)

Dragomir, 34, from Ilford appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday.

He was jailed for 12 weeks after admitting a charge of attempted theft at Westminster Underground station.

Violeta Petre

(Image: BTP)

Petre, 22, from Redbridge appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (August 14).

She was jailed for 12 weeks after pleading guilty to a charge of attempted theft on Westminster Bridge. Petre was also ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

Beatrice Drugu

(Image: BTP)

Drugu, 22, of no fixed address appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday.

She was jailed for 12 weeks after admitting a charge of attempted theft on Westminster Bridge. Drugu was also ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge and £85 in costs. The court heard she was working with Petre.

Rozalia Bivolaru

(Image: BTP)

Bivolaru, 27, of no fixed address pled guilty to attempted theft at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (August 15).

The court hear the charge related to an offence at Victoria Underground station. She was jailed for eight weeks.

Beatrice Vaduva

(Image: BTP)

Vaduva, 24, of no fixed address appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

She was jailed for eight weeks after admitting a charge of attempted theft. The court heard she was working with Bivolaru.

Elena Nicolae

Nicolae, 27, of no fixed address pled guilty to attempted theft at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

She was jailed for eight weeks. The court heard she was working with Bivolaru.

(Image: BTP)

Albena Atanasova

Atanasova, 19, of no fixed address appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

She was given a 28 day prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge. The court heard the charge relates to an offence outside Leicester Square station.

Ivanova Sofiya Yodanova

Yodanova, 18, of no fixed address appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Thursday and was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

She was also ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge. The court heard the charge relates to an offence outside Leicester Square station.

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