Heathrow sneak thieves caught in the act

A bag snatcher caught on camera laughing as he brazenly stole a passenger’s bag at Heathrow airport has been jailed for two years.

Daniel Kennedy, 54, and Denise Blackburn, 45, were caught on CCTV as they targeted the victim in a phone shop at the airport on 31 October last year.

They attempted to avoid the police by having their son, Ryan Kennedy, 19, drive them out of the airport car park while they hit in the backseat under some coats.

In the CCTV the pair can be seen observing a couple who had just landed from Ghana, before seemingly discussing their plan.

When their intended targets turned their back, Blackburn stood next to them to block their view as Kennedy swooped in and grabbed a bag from the top of the luggage using a coat on his arm to conceal the act.

The thieves then quickly left the shop.

The victims reported the theft to the police who reviewed the CCTV footage and were able to identify them.

They were arrested within two days, and money and jewellery were recovered from their address, including an Armani watch Kennedy was wearing.

Their son was arrested a week later.

The three admitted to the charges and were sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on 25 February.

Daniel Kennedy of County Street, Southwark, admitted theft, driving otherwise in accordance with a license and driving without insurance.

He was sentenced to two years in prison and a previous eight month suspended sentence was also activated.

He is also disqualified from driving for 16 months.

Blackburn, of the same address, admitted theft and possession of cannabis.

She was given a twelve month sentence, suspended for two years.

Ryan Kennedy, of the same address, admitted possession of cannabis, driving while disqualified and driving without a license.

He was conditionally discharged and disqualified from driving for a year.