A pickpocket who preyed on elderly bus passengers in Kilburn has been jailed for a year.

Hristova Marinova, 27, from Lewisham, targeted her vulnerable victims between February and October last year.

Inner London Crown Court heard she teamed up with 30-year-old Marieta Petrova to also strike in Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Hammersmith, Haringey, Kingston, Sutton and Wandsworth.

Last week she was convicted of seven counts of theft.

A further six counts of theft person were taken into consideration by the court.

Petrova, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 months in jail in March.

She was convicted of 10 offences, having a further six taken into consideration.

Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor said:

“This was an excellent result which has seen two prolific pickpockets receive significant terms in jail.

“The Safer Transport Command with its partners Transport for London has a primary aim to safeguard the travelling public from criminals and to keep them safe whilst using London’s bus system.

“If you commit an offence, you will be caught and if convicted every avenue of punishment will be considered - so the message is clear: Crime on London’s bus system will NOT be tolerated - we will bring those who are responsible to justice.”