Brazen thieves spotted going through pubgoers’ bags while they stand chatting nearby

This is the moment two thieves were caught on CCTV rifling through strangers’ bags and stealing the contents in the middle of a pub.

Footage shows Majazy Latif, 28, and Youcef Aliouat, 32, calmly taking their time going through people’s belongings for almost seven minutes, while blending in with other pub-goers.

The pair can be seen strolling up to the bar in a pub on Cannon Street, London, on Thursday 14 August, where they positioned themselves around a pile of bags.

They then pulled a chair in front of the bags, even though the bar was empty with other seats, and placed their own rucksack amongst the pile.

After ordering drinks, the pair are seen rummaging through the belongings, before taking out a laptop and putting it into another bag held up by Latif.

People standing near them and walking past were seemingly unaware of what was happening beside them, according to City of London Police.

Latif was jailed for 23 months, after pleading guilty to nine counts of theft between 6 August 2025 and 25 September 2025.

Officers found that he stole around £14,250 worth of personal belongings, including laptops, in licensed premises across the City of London.

He was also handed a Criminal behavior Order (CBO), banning him from entering the City for five years.

Aliouat was sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing nine laptops between 14 August 2025 and 6 October 2025 in the City and handed a CBO, banning him from entering the Square Mile for five years.

Police Constable Pradip Gurung, Volume Crime Unit at the City of London Police, said: ‘These are professional criminals, who took their time when preying on other people’s belongings and transferring valuables from their victims’ bags to their own.

‘The thieves operated with audacity, standing by the bar and committing their crimes while their victims were just nearby having a drink.

‘People shouldn’t have to worry about getting their bags being stolen while they’re out, but professional criminals will take any chance to take your belongings.

‘Latif and Aliouat spotted an opportunity and calmly stole from others while blending in to look like other City drinkers.

‘If you leave your belongings in a bag pile, please don’t stray too far away from it and keep a close eye on your belongings. Please be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.’

CCTV also captured Latif and a different accomplice stealing a laptop at a bar in Aldgate on 6 August 2025.

His accomplice, Mounir Ghilas, 28, of no fixed abode, was jailed last year for 18 months, after pleading guilty to 18 counts of theft between 5 August 2025 and 25 September 2025.

The two thieves sat on a table next to a group of people, where Ghilas was seen taking the victim’s laptop out of the bag and placing this into his own bag, before the pair left the venue.

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