He was last seen in Colliers Wood
Detectives have issued images of a man they want to speak to after a phone was stolen from a sleeping tube traveller.
The man (right) was last seen going into a coffee shop in Tandem Way, Colliers Wood, after snatching the phone on the tube in Pimlico.
The incident happened as a Victoria Line train pulled into Pimlico station on Tuesday August 12 at 1.30pm.
Detective Constable Carl Wayte said: "A 21-year-old woman had fallen asleep with her phone in her hand. As the doors opened at Pimlico, she was disturbed by a man snatching the phone.
"He fled the train and, before the victim had time to respond, the doors had closed. The woman shouted at the man as he walked down the platform, but he just smiled at her.
He said the man made his way to a coffee shop in Tandem Way, Colliers Wood, after the theft.
DC Wayte added: "This was an opportunistic theft of the kind that is thankfully rare on the rail network. We are keen to speak to the man in the picture? Who is he? If you know, please contact British Transport Police."
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference TSUB/B8 of 09/10/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 0800 555 111.
This investigation comes as part of BTP's Operation Magnum, a nationwide crackdown on the theft of passenger property on the railway. As part of the initiative, BTP has set-up a dedicated website, http://www.btp.police.uk/theft, with video clips to help the travelling public spot the most common tricks thieves use.
There are a number of steps people can take to keep their property as safe as possible when on the rail network:
• Keep purses secure and carry wallets in an inside pocket
• Zip up hand and shoulder bags
• Carry bags in front of you, with flaps against your body
• Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm
• Don't display jewellery, mobile phones and MP3 players
• Don't show your money - keep it safely in your pocket
• Stay alert and aware of what's going on around you when using your phone in public
• Keep your luggage close by and check it regularly.
If you think your property has been stolen on the rail network stay calm and don't panic. Report it to a member of transport staff or a police officer straight away or call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. In an emergency, always dial 999.
October 9, 2014