Police Seek Thief Caught on Camera Stealing Phone From Sleeping Victim
Paul Langan failed to appear in court for sentencing after admitting to the opportunistic theft.
Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating Paul Langan, 58, who failed to appear in court for sentencing after admitting to stealing a mobile phone from a sleeping victim. The theft occurred near Liverpool Street station in London on Friday, April 24, at approximately 7 p.m. The incident was captured on CCTV by the City of London Police.
Footage shows Langan approaching the victim, who appeared to be asleep on steps, before taking the mobile phone from his pocket. Control room staff alerted officers and provided real-time tracking of Langan's movements. He was apprehended shortly thereafter, and the phone was returned to its owner.
Police Constable Sachin Kumar of the City of London Police highlighted the effectiveness of their advanced CCTV network in tracking the suspect. "If it hadn't been for our cameras and the quick thinking of control room staff, it's likely that Langan might have got away with his crimes," Kumar stated. He described Langan as a "brazen and opportunistic thief" who stole from someone in a vulnerable state.
Langan pleaded guilty to the theft but failed to attend his sentencing hearing in June. A warrant for his arrest has since been issued. Police are appealing for any information regarding Langan's whereabouts.