Woman jailed for theft on Hackney buses

Gloria Makanjuola, 28, received prison sentence for thefts (credit: Metropolitan Police)

A serial thief, whose victims included an 87-year-old man, has been jailed.

Gloria Makanjuola, 28, received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison after carrying out several robberies on buses across Hackney between September and October 2018.

She pleaded guilty to eight counts of robbery, four counts of theft and four counts of fraud appearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 21 August.

Her victims varied between 18 and 87-years-old.

In one incident, Makanjuola grabbed around £80 cash out of the pocket of an 87-year-old man while sitting next to him on a route 30 bus around Wick Road. She persisted to do so despite him telling her to stop.

Separately, she targeted an 18-year-old on bus route 277 in the area of Mare Street, E5.

Detective Sergeant Coleman, the senior investigating officer, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) said: “Gloria Makanjuola was a prolific offender in the Hackney area. She targeted vulnerable passengers using the bus network system, committing robbery or theft offences.

“If bank cards were stolen, she used the opportunity to use the cards to make contactless payments at local stores.

“I would like to thank the victims in this investigation who had the courage to report these matters and assist in the police investigation. Without their support this outcome would not have been possible.”

She was identified by the victims, investigation team and Safer Transport Team officers.

The lead investigator for transport network crime across London, Detective Superintendent Andy Cox, said: “We are focused on targeting prolific criminals like Makanjuola who target and prey on the most vulnerable commuters.

“Through extensive CCTV coverage across the transport network we are able to identify and bring to justice offenders. My thanks to Detective Sergeant Eddie Coleman who comprehensively and meticulously investigated this matter leading to the conviction of Makanjuola for so many serious offences.”

Makanjuola is currently serving a sentence for similar offences which she committed last year in the Hackney area.