Face of pickpocket who travelled over 100 miles to target mums in Birmingham city centre

Jailed: Prolific pickpocket Fadi Zemmour
-Credit:WMP


This is the first picture of a prolific pickpocket who targeted mums and pensioners in Birmingham city centre. Fadi Zemmour was jailed this week after he carried out a dozen offences during a three-month crime spree.

One incident saw the 36-year-old target a victim who was distracted helping an elderly relative. He also targeted mums who were busy attending to their children in pushchairs.

We reported how Zemmour stole up to £5,000-worth of mobile phones from women in the city - which included targeting shoppers in the Bullring. He was described in court as a 'smooth' and 'skilful' operator who used an accomplice to stand close to his targets to distract them.

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Police said the thief travelled to Birmingham from London to commit the crimes over a three-month period last summer. He was arrested in the capital on December 12.

Zemmour admitted eight thefts, three attempted thefts and one fraud by false representation when he appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on December 17. He was sentenced to 16 months behind bars at the same court yesterday, January 28.

PC Amy O’Connor of West Midlands Police said: “Pickpocketing is not a petty crime as some believe. It can have a lasting impact on the victims.

"I'd encourage everyone to be on the lookout for the tricks and tactics that pickpockets use so they can help protect themselves and keep their property safe."