A gang leader who stole thousands from the elderly and tourists across the tube network, after a spree of distraction thefts, has been jailed.

Amin Alnoor, 28, from East Ham, coordinated numerous distraction thefts at cash machines across London, with a team working with him.

The thefts took place at underground stations including Finchley Road, Holborn, Gloucester Road, South Kensington and Oxford Street.

Alnoor, along with others, would distract tourists and passengers using cash machines or ticket machines at the stations.

When they were using the machines he would they look at them entering their pin, and steal the card.

Afterwards he would then withdraw thousands from their accounts.

British Transport Police officers raided Alnoor’s house in Hameway on May 3 this year. He was found hiding in the loft. In court, he admitted charges of conspiracy to steal.

He has been jailed for four years. A judge told him to pay more than £9,000 in compensation to the victims.

DC Alison Levi from British Transport Police, said: “The investigation into Alnoor’s deceiving action was extremely complex and involved a number of victims, however I am pleased he has been handed a prison sentence.

“He targeted vulnerable individuals, exploiting their unfamiliarity of the city or transport network, and then stealing their bank card and money. I am grateful that the judge ordered he compensate his victims by returning some of the stolen cash to his victims.

“CCTV evidence proved vital in this case, as we were able to accurately and clearly depict Alnoor’s tactics to deceive his victims. I hope this sentence demonstrates that we have the power to identify and bring offenders to justice.”