Slick Pub Theft Caught on Camera
In a brazen display of criminal audacity, two thieves executed a perfectly coordinated handbag theft from right under a victim's nose in a crowded London pub. The entire incident, which saw items worth £2,000 stolen, was captured on chilling CCTV footage.
The City of London Police reported that the theft occurred at a pub on New Street, near Liverpool Street station. Patrons were eating and drinking, completely unaware they were being targeted by the sophisticated criminal duo.
The Chilling Theft Technique
The CCTV footage reveals the methodical approach of Mohammed Kraifa, 34, and Hecham Bourhar, 29. Kraifa began the operation by subtly sliding his leg beneath the victim's table to hook the bag's strap with his foot.
As Kraifa provided cover, accomplice Bourhar leaned in, masked from view, and lifted the bag in one fluid motion. The entire theft took mere seconds, after which both men casually strolled out of the establishment as if nothing had happened.
The stolen haul contained a laptop and numerous personal items with a combined value of approximately £2,000.
Justice Served with Prison Sentences
Both criminals have now faced consequences for their actions. According to reports, Kraifa and Bourhar were sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for the theft.
Bourhar received an additional eight-week sentence for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order that specifically banned him from the City of London. However, this sentence will run concurrently with his theft conviction.
Sergeant James Wood of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team commented on the successful prosecution: 'By using all our resources in tracking down bag thieves, we have already made significant arrests which have led to a number of successful prosecutions.'
'This is another great result, with two bag thieves behind bars,' he added. 'Our dedicated officers are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals who target those who live, work and visit the Square Mile.'
Broader Context of Rising City Crime
This incident occurs against a backdrop of concerning crime statistics in the capital. Both locals and tourists are increasingly targeted by organised criminal groups specialising in theft.
Metropolitan Police figures reveal that in 2024 alone, 117,211 mobile phones were reported stolen in London - equivalent to approximately 320 devices every single day.
The typical modus operandi involves thieves on bikes or mopeds targeting people at random in the street, often mounting pavements to snatch devices directly from victims' hands before they can react.
Once stolen, these devices are commonly shipped abroad to be stripped for parts, making recovery nearly impossible.
Another disturbing trend involves so-called 'Rolex rippers' who specifically target individuals for their high-end watches. Between January 2022 and July 2025, 5,180 timepieces worth over £3,000 were snatched in the capital, with only 59 recovered - a recovery rate of just one in 88.
One of the most high-profile incidents in recent years was the gunpoint robbery of former world boxing champion Amir Khan, who had a £70,000 diamond-encrusted watch stolen as he left a restaurant in Leyton, East London, in April 2022.
