A man who snatched a mobile phone from a passenger at Wimbledon station has been convicted thanks to an appeal in the Wimbledon Guardian.
Maloni De Assuncao Elias, 18, of Castlecombe Drive, in Southfields, snatched the phone from the victim's hand and ran from a train as it stood stationary at Wimbledon station around 11.15pm on January 10.
The British Transport Police released CCTV images of Elias, printed in The Wimbledon Guardian, which led to him being identified by a member of the public, arrested and convicted of theft.
He was fined £75 and ordered to pay £599 in compensation and £50 in costs at South West London Magistrates Court on Friday, May 31.
Detective Constable Mark Agrippa, who led the investigation, said: "As a result of a media appeal, we were able to trace and arrest Elias.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Wimbledon Guardian readers for their help in coming forward to identify him."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here