Airport and Railway Pickpocket Busted and Jailed for Over Two Years
A notorious thief who preyed on distracted travellers at Heathrow Airport and busy train stations has been locked up for two years and four months. Kiberom Fikadu, 31, was finally caught after a sharp-eyed staff member spotted him acting suspiciously at Central Bus Station near Heathrow on 10 January 2019.
Snatched Purses, Laptops, and Passports
Isleworth Crown Court heard how Fikadu targeted people absorbed in their phones, reading, or eating. He’d sneakily snatch bags, wallets, laptops, and even passports without victims noticing.
PC Barry Munnelly, who led the investigation, said: “Fikadu looked for people who were either reading, busy chatting or eating, and helped himself to their belongings. His actions are a reminder of the importance of staying alert and keeping your possessions in sight at all times when you are travelling.”
Investigators nailed Fikadu’s crimes spanning Heathrow Airport, Paddington Station, and even a train in Sussex. CCTV released today reveals him boldly swiping a woman’s bag from a Heathrow coffee shop while she ate, hiding it under his coat before making off with her passport and purse.
Caught Red-Handed After Acting Shifty
On 10 January 2019, thanks to a watchful staff member’s tip-off, police confronted Fikadu at Central Bus Station. He tried hiding behind a newspaper but was quickly recognised from airport CCTV footage. A search discovered he carried two stolen passports, a lock knife, two laptops, and cannabis.
Fikadu was arrested for theft, carrying a bladed article, and possession of drugs. Though he admitted to some charges, he initially denied stealing the passports and suitcase.
String of Thefts Uncovered Through Tenacious Police Work
PC Munnelly’s team traced the stolen laptops through serial numbers back to crimes at Heathrow and Paddington. In one brazen theft, Fikadu pulled a woman’s laptop under the table in a Paddington pub before covering it with a newspaper and walking off.
They also linked him to a wallet theft from a man on a Sussex train. CCTV showed Fikadu accidentally leaving the wallet behind at Heathrow, where sharp staff spotted it didn’t belong to him and alerted police.
Fikadu plead guilty to theft of the laptops and handling stolen goods at North West London Magistrates’ Court. He was later found guilty of stealing the passport and suitcase after refusing to leave his prison cell.
Justice Served
In sentencing, PC Munnelly praised the efforts of staff and officers who helped catch Fikadu.
“Each of Fikadu’s thefts caused distress and disruption to the victims. I am pleased that we have been able to bring him to justice,” he said.
Travellers are reminded to stay alert and keep their valuables close at all times when on the move.
