A prolific thief who targeted pub-goers and commuters has been banned from entering the City of London for two years. Hamza Kalouache, 34, described as a professional thief, has been stealing from people in the City since 2020.
Kalouache was recently found guilty of stealing a bag from a pub on Watling Street and a mobile phone and wallet from a commuter at King’s Cross Station. He received a two-year prison sentence at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from entering the City of London for two years.
With eight previous convictions, Kalouache was previously jailed for 20 weeks in 2022 for assaulting an emergency worker and theft. His latest convictions highlight a pattern of targeting the valuable property of victims frequenting public houses within the City of London.
Inspector Dan Green of the City of London Police commented on the case, stating, “Hamza Kalouache’s criminal activity in the City of London will have caused a significant level of harassment and distress for his victims. He is a professional thief, targeting the valuable property of victims who are frequenting public houses within the City of London and showing no signs of stopping his criminal activities. This CBO will aim to prevent him from committing similar offences and act as a deterrent for reoffending.”
Inspector Green is part of the force’s Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team, which focuses on crimes such as theft of bags, phone snatches, and shoplifting. He emphasized the commitment to bringing criminals to justice and preventing further criminal activities.
Kalouache could face further prison time if he enters the City during the period of his CBO, reinforcing the authorities’ determination to curb his criminal behaviour.
