Thief Snatches Busker’s Loose Change in a Flash at Tottenham Court Road
A well-dressed villain dubbed “the lowest of the low” made off with loose change from a tin whistle busker at Tottenham Court Road station – all caught on camera by a passerby who was just filming the street performance.
The quick-handed crook dashed down the escalator, grabbed the cash from the busker’s collection tin, and disappeared into the crowd before anyone could react.
Passerby Captures Brazen Theft on Film
Jitrtiwa Jawjit, the eyewitness behind the viral clip, said: “I was waiting for my friend and filming the musician when suddenly the thief snatched a handful of cash and sprinted through the crowd. He moved so fast, stopping him was impossible.”
Station staff checked on the visibly shaken busker. Witnesses claimed the thief had a string of thefts at other Tube stations. Feeling for the musician, Jawjit even handed over £5 the next day.
TfL and Social Media Outraged, Demand Action
Transport for London (TfL) condemned the thief’s actions while social media users slammed the crook with calls for swift justice. One Facebook user fumed: “If I’d seen that, I’d have lost it.”
Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, said: “Our buskers bring joy and colour to the Tube every day. It’s disgraceful to steal from those who rely on their performances to survive.”
TfL has reached out to support the victim and urged the public to help British Transport Police track down the culprit.
Police Urge Witnesses to Speak Up
The British Transport Police have not yet received an official report but are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to come forward. A spokesperson said: “If you witness or are a victim of a crime on the Tube or railway, text us on 61016.”
This audacious robbery highlights the ongoing dangers buskers face across London’s transport system and the pressing need for community vigilance and respect.
