A prolific pickpocket who targeted people on buses in west London has been jailed for 12 months, according to police.

Warren Spencer, 53, of the Friary Estate, Southwark, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday (September 30), police said, and given a 12-month hail term and seven-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He previously pleaded guilty to eight counts of theft and cannabis possession at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 19, the Met added.

Spencer stole from men and women aged between 21 and 37 while they travelled on buses in Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea, Lambeth, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, police said.

He targeted passengers while they waited in large crowds to board buses, stealing their mobile phones, purses and wallets.

Officers from the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command launched an investigation which led to Spencer being identified, arrested and charged.

Detective Superintendent Adnan Qureshi said: “We urge the public to ensure they keep their possessions safe and secure and always to be aware of their surroundings.”

He was given a CBO which prevents him from boarding, attempting to board, or travelling on any form of transport operated by Transport for London (TfL) without a valid Oyster card, and from using any mobile phone which is not registered in his name.

Steve Burton, TfL's director of enforcement and on-street operations, said: “Crime on our bus network is now at its lowest-ever level. However, we are not complacent and continue to work together with our policing partners to ensure the safety and security of our travelling customers.”