A chilling scene unfolded in a London pub as two brazen thieves calmly and systematically rifled through the belongings of unsuspecting patrons. CCTV footage captured the entire operation, revealing a calculated act of deception that lasted nearly seven minutes.
Majazy Latif, 28, and Youcef Aliouat, 32, strolled into a pub on Cannon Street, appearing as ordinary customers. They strategically positioned themselves near a collection of unattended bags, a silent hunt beginning under the guise of casual pub-goers.
Without a hint of urgency, they pulled up a chair – despite available seating elsewhere – and blended their own rucksack into the pile. Ordering drinks, they then began their meticulous search, their movements deceptively relaxed.
A laptop vanished into a bag held by Latif, the theft occurring in plain sight of other customers who remained completely unaware. The thieves operated with a disturbing level of composure, exploiting the trust and relaxed atmosphere of the pub.
The City of London Police investigation revealed the pair stole approximately £14,250 worth of personal items, primarily laptops, from various licensed establishments. Latif received a 23-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to nine counts of theft.
Aliouat was sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing nine laptops, also receiving a five-year ban from the City of London. Both were issued Criminal Behaviour Orders, effectively barring them from the Square Mile for years to come.
Police Constable Pradip Gurung described the thieves as “professional criminals” who exploited a moment of vulnerability. Their audacity, he noted, lay in committing the crimes openly, while victims enjoyed a casual drink nearby.
The case serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant, even in seemingly safe environments. Authorities urge patrons to keep their belongings within sight and report any suspicious activity immediately.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. CCTV also revealed Latif, with a different accomplice, successfully stole a laptop from a bar in Aldgate just weeks earlier. That accomplice, Mounir Ghilas, is already serving an 18-month sentence for similar offenses.
The thieves’ method was consistent: sitting near unsuspecting groups, subtly removing valuables, and disappearing before anyone noticed. It was a calculated risk, relying on distraction and a lack of awareness to succeed.
