A DEPTFORD man who tried to steal a wallet on the Tube has been jailed for four months.

David Charlton, aged 50, of Pilot Close, was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on April 16 after being found guilty of attempted theft.

Charlton committed the offence at around 7.15pm on June 23 last year, on board a train travelling between Piccadilly Circus and Holborn.

A plain-clothed British Transport Police (BTP) officer was patrolling at the time and noticed Charlton acting suspiciously on the platform.

The officer followed Charlton on to a train and saw him get close to a passenger, before putting his hand inside the man’s back trouser pocket in an attempt to steal his wallet.

Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer PC Steve Bryan said: "Thanks to the quick actions of the patrolling officer, Charlton was quickly arrested and prosecuted.

"I hope Charlton’s sentence sends a clear message that BTP takes attempted theft very seriously and anyone caught stealing from passengers on the London Underground network will be brought to justice."

PC Bryan added: "BTP has recently launched Operation Magnum, an initiative designed to crack down on the theft of passenger’s property.

"Our pickpocket squad officers are always out on patrol in plain clothes across the Tube network and are highly trained in spotting the kind of behaviour that tells them someone is intent on theft.

"We arrest these types of offenders every day but there are also lots of things that people can do to make sure they protect themselves from pickpockets.

"Remember to zip up your bags, keep your jewellery, mobile phones and MP3 players hidden and stay alert to what’s going on around you."

Tips for keeping your property safe on London’s Tubes and trains:
• Keep purses secure and carry wallets in an inside pocket
• Zip up hand and shoulder bags
• Carry bags in front of you with flaps against your body
• Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm
• Don’t display jewellery, mobile phones and MP3 players
• Don’t show your money — keep it safely in your pocket
• Stay alert and aware of what's going on around you when using your phone in public