London's resident pickpocket hunter, Diego Galdino, has hit back at Mayor Sadiq Khan after Khan stated that vigilante efforts have not contributed to the drop in crime across the capital. Galdino expressed he was 'disappointed but not surprised' that his crime-fighting work went unrecognized, especially as official figures show neighbourhood offences—including theft, personal robbery, and vehicle crimes—fell by 14% in the year to June.
Khan praises police, dismisses vigilantes
Mayor Khan credited the Metropolitan Police for reducing phone snatching rates but told Metro that vigilantes 'have not played any role in this.' He said: 'I think it is important to be an active bystander as long as you don't cause any risk to yourself. I don't think we should have groups of vigilantes going about the city.'
Galdino, who gained viral fame when Metro first joined him on patrol in July last year, now boasts hundreds of thousands of social media followers and has quit his job as a delivery driver. He countered: 'Victims come to us, we find the pickpocket and we give all the details to the police. And since I started two years ago, I have noticed a difference.'
Galdino's impact and frustrations
Patrolling Westminster's shops, Galdino claims pickpockets flee upon spotting his iconic red spray paint. He has witnessed around 25 arrests, including two individuals who were later deported. He said: 'I know the Mayor will never want to recognise vigilantes, and that's okay, because I know we have had a good impact and I wish him all the best.'
However, Galdino voiced frustration that many arrested pickpockets are released within hours and fail to appear for court hearings. He noted: 'As they give their name and address to police, I tell them they are giving them fake names but they don't really listen. Which means they are getting away with not showing up for court hearings, as well as being released from custody after just a few hours.'
Khan agrees on court delays
Mayor Khan acknowledged shared frustrations over early release and court delays. When asked if the early release scheme was undermining crime reduction, he admitted: 'I'm frustrated when I speak to victims who tell me they've been told it's going to be three years before the trial happens. I'm frustrated when the police work incredibly hard to arrest somebody and they're released the next day because of a decision made by a magistrate or judge.'
The Met Police reported 13,000 fewer victims of phone theft and a 14% drop in neighbourhood crime. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'The figures are clear, London is safe and getting safer each year. Neighbourhood policing is the foundation of what we do... This reduction is a reflection of a wider policing approach and the dedication and hard work of local officers, working with specialist colleagues across the Met and using cutting-edge technology to bring more criminals to justice.'
