A WOMAN, who had her purse pickpocketed, has not only had her wallet returned, but has also been awarded £100 in compensation.
Jane Burrow was on her way home in October last year when her bag, which she had placed carefully under her seat, caught the eye of Tracey Clark.
Clark, aged 35, was travelling with five other people and persuaded a younger member of the group to steal Miss Burrow’s wallet from her bag.
The theft was reported to police and PC Ben Smith was soon on the case, checking onboard CCTV from the carriage.
"Clark could be clearly seen pointing out Ms Burrow’s bag and, unwilling to do her own dirty work, she coerced somebody else into stealing from it," said PC Smith.
“At the time, we didn’t know Clark’s identity, so we issued her image on social media. Within hours, the appeal was being shared, forcing Clark to call in and identify herself as the suspect.”
The next day, PC Smith arrested Clark who admitted stealing the wallet and took him to a nearby a bin where she had only recently disposed of it.
On 24 February, Clark of Harrolds Close, Dursley, appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court charged with theft from a person. She pleaded guilty and was handed a community order, fine and ordered to pay Miss Burrow £100 compensation.
On the same day, PC Smith was also able to return Miss Burrow’s property to her.
PC Smith added: "We rely on information from the public and this case shows what can be achieved when we work together to solve crime.
"I’d like to thank everyone who shared the original appeal, which spurred Clark into coming forward – we really couldn’t do our job without you.
“We hope her conviction sends a clear message to others who think they can get away with pickpocketing on the rail network, that we will leave no stone unturned to identify thieves and bring them before the courts."