Repeat Thief Busted After South Bank Bag Heists
Anthony Morris, 53, of Friern Road, Southwark, was locked up for 12 months after pleading guilty to theft, handling stolen goods, and fraud at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on 15 December.
Quick-Striking Bag Snatcher Caught on CCTV
Police zeroed in on Morris after he stole a handbag outside a South Bank venue on 16 July. Minutes later, CCTV caught him using the stolen bank cards to buy mobile phone vouchers on Waterloo Road. Not done yet, Morris swiped another bag from a pub on Upper Ground on 11 August, then hit two nearby shops with fraudulently obtained cards.
Arrest Uncovers More Crimes
Officers arrested Morris on 3 October. A search of his home uncovered property linked to three more bag thefts across central London. The Met’s Central South Basic Command Unit cracked the case with the help of persistent detective work from PC Sarah Jackson.
“Bag theft may not seem the most serious crime, but it causes huge upset and inconvenience,” said Police Sergeant Darren Watson. “Londoners and visitors should enjoy the city without fearing their belongings will be snatched under their noses.”
Convictions Detail a String of Crimes
- Theft of handbag (11 August): 6 months, consecutive
- Theft of handbag (16 August): 6 months, consecutive
- Two counts of fraud by false representation (11 August): 4 months each, concurrent
- Fraud by false representation (16 August): 4 months, concurrent
- Three counts of handling stolen goods (4 October): 4 months each, concurrent
The Met is now pushing its “Look Up, Look Out” campaign. It warns Londoners to stay alert in robbery hot spots and keep valuables like watches, phones, and jewellery out of sight.
