Diego Galdino has gone viral protecting tourists from pickpockets (Picture: Belinda Jiao)

London's self-styled "pickpocket hunter" has hit back at Sir Sadiq Khan after the Mayor insisted vigilantes have played no part in reducing crime across the capital, opening a fresh row over who deserves credit for falling theft rates.

Diego Galdino said he was "disappointed but not surprised" by the Mayor's comments, arguing his patrols have helped disrupt organised pickpocket gangs in some of London's busiest tourist hotspots. The exchange comes as new figures show neighbourhood crime, including theft, has fallen by 14% over the past year.

Mayor Credits Police, Not Vigilantes

Sir Sadiq praised the Metropolitan Police for driving down offences such as phone snatching, saying there are now 13,000 fewer victims of phone theft than a year ago. He acknowledged the importance of people being active bystanders but rejected the idea of organised vigilante groups patrolling the streets.

"I don't think we should have groups of vigilantes going about the city," he said, insisting they had played no role in the recent fall in crime.

'We've Made a Difference'

Diego strongly disputes that claim. The social media personality, who built a large online following by tracking suspected pickpockets through central London, said victims regularly bring him information before he passes evidence to police.

He claims his presence alone has deterred offenders, with suspected thieves abandoning busy shopping areas after recognising him. Diego also said he has witnessed around 25 arrests linked to his work, including two suspects who were later deported.

Diego blending into his surroundings (Picture: Belinda Jiao)

Frustration Shifts to the Courts

Despite claiming success on the streets, Diego said the justice system is undermining police efforts. He accused repeat offenders of providing false identities and returning to the streets within hours of arrest before failing to attend court hearings.

On that point, Sir Sadiq expressed similar frustrations. He criticised lengthy court delays and said it was disheartening when suspects arrested by police were quickly released through judicial decisions.

Crime Falls But Debate Continues

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the latest figures showed London was becoming safer, describing neighbourhood policing as the foundation of the force's success. He credited local officers, specialist teams and new technology for reducing crime across the capital.

The public disagreement highlights a wider debate over policing in London. While official figures point to falling crime, questions remain over whether stretched courts and repeat offending could erode those gains if deeper problems in the justice system remain unresolved.

‘Pickpocket hunter’ hits back at Sadiq Khan comments

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by bannork

A family-run newsagent says relentless shoplifting has become its "new normal" after being targeted four times in a single week, leaving the owners counting losses and questioning whether enough is being done to protect small businesses.

Krish Hinglajia, who runs a Premier convenience store in Rochester, Kent, says repeated thefts have cost hundreds of pounds and shaken his family's confidence. He believes retail crime has surged in recent months, with offenders acting increasingly brazenly.

Four Raids in Days

The first incident saw a man allegedly steal around £30 worth of household cleaning products, with CCTV appearing to show shelves being emptied before the suspect walked out carrying the goods.

Over the following days, Krish says a group of children repeatedly entered the shop, taking chocolates, sweets and ice creams before running away. He alleges staff were subjected to racial abuse when they challenged the group, while the repeated thefts have left the business facing losses of between £150 and £200 in expensive frozen stock alone.

CCTV captured the moment children stormed the shop to steal ice creams and chocolate (Picture: Cover Media)

'We're Losing Faith'

Krish says the financial impact reaches far beyond stolen goods. As a small family business, every loss cuts directly into the money needed to pay suppliers and household bills.

He also voiced frustration with the police response, claiming officers did not initially attend after two reports were made and instead asked him to upload CCTV footage through an online portal. "We are just losing faith," he said, questioning why businesses should bear repeated losses while waiting for action.

Police Say Investigation Is Underway

Kent Police confirmed it is investigating reports of multiple thefts at the Delce Road shop between 17 and 21 July. Officers say they requested CCTV footage to help identify suspects before later visiting the premises and speaking with the victim.

Inspector Paul Relf said inquiries are continuing and insisted the force is determined to tackle retail crime across Medway by pursuing all available lines of investigation.

Small Businesses Feel the Pressure

Police figures show 128 shoplifting offences were recorded in the area between June 2025 and May 2026. For retailers like Krish, those statistics reflect a growing reality in which repeated theft has become an increasingly costly part of daily trading.

As pressure mounts on high streets already battling rising costs, shopkeepers warn that persistent retail crime risks pushing more independent businesses to breaking point unless repeat offenders are stopped.

‘Pickpocket hunter’ hits back at Sadiq Khan comments

12 minutes ago, bannork said:

He accused repeat offenders of providing false identities and returning to the streets within hours of arrest before failing to attend court hearings.

That is what happens when UK citizens oppose an ID card system

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by CallumWK

5 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

That is what happens when UK citizens oppose an ID card system

Rubbish we don't want to live in a 'police state' however it is an increasingly loosing battle with all the spy cameras,censorship and 2 tier policing !

when you give up your liberties for perceived protections you end up with neither.

1 minute ago, johng said:

Rubbish we don't want to live in a 'police state' however it is an increasingly loosing battle with all the spy cameras,censorship and 2 tier policing !

when you give up your liberties for perceived protections you end up with neither.

I fail to see what an ID card has to do with liberties................oh wait, it gives the criminals the liberty to stay out of jail and continue robbing you of your valuables.

Criminals by their very nature do not abide by the law,

making every law abiding citizen produce an ID on demand

will not stop the criminals robbing you.

It's just another step along the way to a total police state..but don't worry I'm sure you will get your way as the Digital ID scheme is still in full swing despite the headline scraping of the idea of an actual physical card..they'll just put it on the almost now universally mandated smart phone....you'll love it own nothing and be happy in a digital panopticon 15 minute city eating zee bugs !!!

Edited 33 minutes ago33 min by johng