A pair of brazen would-be thieves have been sent to jail after police caught them unsuccessfully trying to pickpocket a 10-year-old on a London tube.
The two female criminals, 35-year-old Daniela-Catita Bobocel and 41-year-old Narghita Lancu, were caught at Tottenham Court Road Station on July 12 after unsuccessfully trying to rob three people.
The pair were labelled "devious" by the British Transport Police after undercover officers monitored them trying fleece items off of several victims.
On one occasion, Bobocel and Iancu approached an elderly woman and attempted to take items from her rucksack.
The elderly lady luckily moved out reach before the women could take anything.
After failing on this occasion, they then went on to target two more women, before then setting their sights on the 10-year-old boy.
Officers watched as they used a scarf to cover his bag and Bobocel put her hand in to steal from it.
At this point they were arrested and taken into custody.
Both women pleaded guilty to attempted theft at Central London Magistrates’ Court on August 18.
Bobocel was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment and Iancu was sentenced to 14 weeks.
Inspector Sharon Turner said: “Bobocel and Iancu are professional criminals who quite sickeningly, deliberately preyed on a young child after unsuccessfully attempting to steal from adults.
"Thankfully our specially trained plain clothes officers were able to intercept them in the act and ensure they are now behind bars.
“Passengers should feel reassured to know we have plain clothes patrols like this taking place across the Underground day and night to keep everyone safe. If you ever have any concerns while travelling please do text us on 61016.”
