Cardiff Pickpocket Jailed After ‘Jovial’ Distraction Thefts

A 27-year-old man has been jailed after stealing wallets and phones from unsuspecting victims in Cardiff city centre through a series of “distraction-type thefts” 📱💸

Anis Bardich, of no fixed abode, approached three separate men in the street, engaged them in conversation, and stealthily removed their personal belongings before attempting to use stolen cards at nearby businesses.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Bardich would appear “jovial” and put his arm around victims, with one theft involving him tripping a man under the pretence of giving a high-five.

In one incident, the defendant targeted a victim on St Mary’s Street who was “under the influence of drink” and whom the judge said Bardich believed would be “easy prey.”

Judge Eugene Egan said the thefts had caused the victims “significant hardship, hassle, worry and concern.”

The court heard that after one theft, Bardich was tracked down when his Home Office immigration bail sheet was found in a wallet dropped at the scene.

Defence barrister Alex Granville told the court: “The defendant grew up in very difficult conditions in Morocco and had come to the UK at the age 14 wanting to study and work because it was a place where people cared.”

With a one-quarter discount for his guilty pleas, Bardich was sentenced to 60 weeks in prison. The court noted that the Home Office is seeking to deport the Moroccan national.