Birmingham faces a rise in pickpocketing, especially targeting women for their phones. Recent arrests reveal organized crime tactics used by thieves in the city.
Birmingham: Pickpocketing is a big problem in many cities, and Birmingham is no exception. Victims often feel devastated after losing their belongings.
Recently, women have been targeted for their phones. These devices are expensive and hold personal information, making the loss even more stressful.
Fadi Zemmour is one thief who was caught. He stole from women 11 times in just two months. Some victims now avoid the Bullring out of fear.
Worryingly, Zemmour didn’t work alone. He had an accomplice who distracted women while he stole from them. He was sentenced to 16 months in jail.
PC Mat Evans from West Midlands Police says Zemmour was a ‘professional’ thief. He noted that pickpockets often work in pairs to target victims.
In 2021, PC Evans warned that pickpockets in Birmingham are usually part of organized crime gangs. Zemmour even traveled from London to commit his crimes.
The police have been working hard to catch these thieves. They use plain clothes officers and collaborate with store security to make arrests.
In 2024, Abderahmen Berouaken was jailed for 14 months after stealing phones in Birmingham. He was caught after dropping a phone while trying to switch hands.
Another thief, Alexandru Petcu, received a two-year sentence for stealing phones. He also traveled from London to target women in the city.
Sabka Ivanova, a female pickpocket, was sentenced to nearly three years for her crimes. She used clothing to hide her hand while stealing phones.
Melania Urmuz was jailed for a year for multiple thefts, including at TK Maxx. She had a history of attempted thefts in a short time.
West Midlands Police offer tips to avoid pickpockets: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables hidden, and secure your bag properly.
Always wear your bag across your body and never leave it unattended. Avoid keeping your wallet or phone in your back pocket.
When shopping with a pushchair, don’t leave your bag on the back. Stay alert to protect yourself from thieves.
