Southwark Man Caught Scouting Piccadilly Line Sentenced to Six Months

A man who targeted passengers on the London Underground has been jailed just days after being arrested by plain clothes British Transport Police officers.

Daniel Maldonado Paulson, 35, of Alvey Street, Southwark, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 February. The Chilean national, who had been in the UK for only two weeks, admitted two counts of Handling Stolen Goods and one count of Resisting Arrest. He was sentenced to six months in prison.

Officers first identified Maldonado Paulson at around 7.30pm on Saturday 7 February while patrolling the Piccadilly Line in plain clothes. Police observed him scanning carriages for potential victims before intervening at South Kensington Underground station, where they reported behaviour consistent with that of a professional pickpocket.

As officers escorted him up the escalator, he attempted to run but was quickly detained, arrested and handcuffed.

A search uncovered a mobile phone reported stolen just 20 minutes earlier, along with an electronic card reader — believed to be the first time BTP has encountered a pickpocket carrying such a device. The stolen phone was returned to its owner within two hours of being taken.

BTP Detective Constable Alison Levi said:

“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. 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. If you spot someone acting suspiciously as you travel, please report it to us by texting 61016.”

Image: British Transport Police