Chilean Phone Thief Jailed After London Underground Pursuit
Daniel Maldonado Paulson, a 35-year-old Chilean national who moved to London in late January, has been sentenced to six months in prison following a dramatic police chase on the London Underground. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, February 7, highlights the vigilance of British Transport Police (BTP) in combating theft on the city's transport network.
Police Surveillance Leads to Arrest
At approximately 7:30 PM, plain-clothed officers observed Maldonado Paulson scouting for victims along the Piccadilly line. His behavior, typical of a professional pickpocket, prompted immediate action. As he attempted to flee up an escalator at South Kensington Underground station, officers swiftly tracked him down, leading to his arrest and handcuffing shortly thereafter.
Upon search, police discovered a mobile phone that had been reported stolen just 20 minutes earlier. In a significant development, officers also found an electronic card reader on Maldonado Paulson, marking the first time BTP has ever encountered such a device on a suspect. The stolen phone was returned to its owner within two hours of the theft.
Court Proceedings and Police Statement
Maldonado Paulson, residing on Alvey Street in Southwark, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, February 13. He pleaded guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods and an additional count of resisting arrest, resulting in the six-month jail sentence.
BTP Detective Constable Alison Levi emphasized the force's proactive approach: "While professional pickpockets might have their eyes on potential victims, rest assured we have our eyes trained on them, waiting for them to make a move and ready to step in." She added, "We have expert, highly skilled officers with years of experience operating across the network, with eyes everywhere. They are always watching and ready to swoop just like in the case of Maldonado Paulson."
Levi urged the public to remain vigilant: "If you spot someone acting suspiciously as you travel, please report it to us by texting 61016." This case underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance security and deter crime on London's public transport systems.
