An undercover police operation in one of London’s most historic markets has led to the imprisonment of two opportunistic thieves who preyed on unsuspecting pub-goers, swiping bags in seconds. The City of London Police has released footage showing the moment plain-clothed officers closed in on the pair outside the Lamb Tavern in Leadenhall Market.
A Swift Theft in a Historic Setting
At around 6.20pm on 19 February, 55-year-old John Luis Fajardo Robles entered the bustling Lamb Tavern. CCTV from inside the historic pub, which dates back to at least 1780, later showed him picking up a backpack belonging to Christian Thompson as revellers enjoyed their evening, oblivious to his actions. He took just seconds to glance around and make his exit.
Outside, his accomplice, 49-year-old Edwin Roca, acted as a lookout, constantly watching over his shoulder. The pair were observed meeting up again shortly afterwards, at which point undercover officers moved in to arrest them. According to the City of London Police, Mr Thompson was still inside the pub and was completely unaware his belongings, including a laptop and worth around £1,335 in total, had been stolen. They were subsequently returned to him.
The incident took place in the heart of Leadenhall Market, a Grade II* listed Victorian arcade and one of the capital’s oldest markets, with origins tracing back to the Roman era. Today, it is a vibrant hub of boutiques, restaurants, and traditional pubs popular with City workers and tourists, contributing to the high footfall that can attract criminal activity.
A Persistent Problem and a Proactive Response
This arrest forms part of a wider crackdown by the City of London Police’s Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team on what they describe as a significant and damaging issue. Data shows that bag theft is a major problem in London, with over 14,000 handbag and shoulder bag thefts reported in just under a year from April 2022. Licensed premises like pubs are identified as key hotspots, with thieves often acting with startling speed.
Sergeant James Wood of the specialist team stated: “Opportunistic crimes, such as bag and phone thefts, will have a significant impact on the people who have their possessions stolen. We will continue our work in targeting criminals, including having our plain-clothed officers blending in with revellers out in the nighttime economy, looking out for offenders, intercepting them and making arrests.”
He also highlighted the role of the “extensive CCTV network across the City, and inside pubs and bars” in identifying offenders and securing evidence.
Sentences Handed Down for Multiple Thefts
At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, John Luis Fajardo Robles, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to one year in prison. He pleaded guilty to three counts of theft. As well as the theft from Christian Thompson, he admitted stealing Steven Jelf’s bag from The Monument pub on Fish Hill Street on 12 January, and Jonathan Murray’s rucksack from The Golden Goose, also in Leadenhall Market, nine days later.
His accomplice, Edwin Roca, pleaded guilty to one count of theft relating to Mr Thompson’s belongings and was given a 16-week jail sentence. The sentences reflect established UK guidelines, where penalties for theft can range from a discharge to six years’ imprisonment based on the culpability of the offender and the harm caused.
Serial bag thieves are often the target of specific police operations. Previous cases have seen prolific offenders receive lengthy sentences and Criminal Behaviour Orders banning them from the City. The emotional and financial impact on victims can be severe; campaigns by organisations like Crimestoppers emphasise that the distress and loss of confidence caused by such thefts can be “priceless.”
In a clear warning to would-be offenders, the City of London Police – the national lead force for fraud and economic crime – reinforces its proactive stance against acquisitive crime. The force’s message is unambiguous: they are committed to tracking down those who target the Square Mile and will bring them to justice.
