Prolific thief who stole from pubs banned from London City

Hamza Kalouache, described as a professional thief, has been stealing from people in the City since 2020. 

The 34-year-old was recently found guilty of stealing a bag from a pub on Watling Street and a mobile phone and wallet from a commuter at King’s Cross Station. 

Kalouache was given a two-year prison sentence at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court and was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from entering the City of London for two years. 

He has eight previous convictions and was previously jailed for 20 weeks for assaulting an emergency worker and theft in 2022. 

Hamza Kalouache (Image: City of London Police) Inspector Dan Green, of City of London Police, said: “Hamza Kalouache’s criminal activity in the City of London will have caused a significant level of harassment and distress for his victims. 

“He is a professional thief, targeting the valuable property of victims who are frequenting Public Houses within the City of London and showed no signs of stopping his criminal activities.  This CBO will aim to prevent him from committing similar offences and act as a deterrent for reoffending. 

“We will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice and we will use all of our resources to help prevent and deter any further criminal activities.” 

Kalouache could face further prison time if he enters the City during the period of his CBO. 

Inspector Green is from the force’s Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team focuses on crimes such as theft of bags, phone snatches and shoplifting.