JUST IN: NOTORIOUS PICKPOCKET JAILED
Reports say a notorious pickpocket wanted across Europe, Catalin Copaie has been jailed after being nabbed by undercover officers on the London Underground.
The 40 year old Romanian was spotted and tailed by a plain clothes team as he moved between stations on the Piccadilly line in December.
The officers swooped at Green Park after seeing Copaie stash a £100 yellow purse in his pocket. He was also found in possession of a three-inch lock knife.
Copaie was found guilty of theft and possessing a knife at Hendon magistrates’ court on January 3 and was jailed for a year.
Further investigations into his background revealed that he was a pickpocket well known throughout Europe and had several convictions.
Pc Steven Bryan, of British Transport Police, said: “Hopefully this will send a message to anyone else considering the same.” The arrest was part of BTP’s Operation Marauder undercover patrols to target pickpockets on the Tube.

