Vigilante Diego Galdino Takes on London’s Pickpockets

Diego Galdino, a 32-year-old Deliveroo rider, is gaining attention in London for his one-man campaign against pickpockets. Armed with a GoPro camera and a loud voice, Galdino confronts suspected thieves in some of the city’s busiest tourist areas. His efforts have turned him into a social media sensation, with over 20 million views on his YouTube channel under the handle @pickpocketlondon.

On October 17, 2025, Galdino was seen energetically pursuing a pair of alleged pickpockets near Buckingham Palace. As tourists gathered to witness the Changing of the Guard, he sprinted down steps and shouted his signature catchphrase: “PICKY-POCKETS! WATCH OUT!” His antics included blowing a referee’s whistle and filming his confrontations, creating a spectacle that both entertained and informed bystanders.

Galdino’s approach involves not just verbal confrontations, but also physical markings. He has made headlines for spraying red paint on repeat offenders to identify them publicly. He argues that this tactic serves as a deterrent, explaining, “The paint doesn’t wash off, so when I paint someone they have to go home and give up for the day.”

The issue of pickpocketing has become increasingly prevalent in London, with reported cases of theft from individuals rising by 28% last year alone, totaling more than 100,000 incidents. Galdino’s mission has resonated with many, as he steps in where he believes law enforcement has fallen short.

While many praise him for his bold actions, opinions are divided. Supporters view him as a modern-day vigilante, akin to a local superhero, while critics raise concerns over the legality and ethics of his methods. Criminologist Jennifer Fleetwood described Galdino’s activities as “a performative form of crime vigilantism for clicks,” highlighting the potential dangers of taking justice into one’s own hands.

Galdino’s own experiences have shaped his mission. Originally from Curitiba, Brazil, he moved to London in 2019 and became acutely aware of the pickpocketing issue while working as a delivery driver. His initial attempts to report crimes to the police often resulted in frustration. “I was calling 999, saying a pickpocket has just stolen from someone and I have tracked them. They would ask: ‘Do you have the victim?’ and I’d say, ‘No, the victim won’t be there, I’ve followed the criminal,'” he recounted. This lack of police action prompted him to take matters into his own hands.

His journey began on July 12, 2023, when he uploaded his first social media clip. Since then, he has built a network of informants, including fellow delivery drivers, who alert him to potential pickpockets. On the day of his confrontation near Buckingham Palace, Galdino showcased his skills, quickly identifying a couple of suspects who had evaded him before.

To blend in, pickpockets often dress like tourists and carry items to obscure their actions. Galdino has become adept at spotting suspicious behavior, which he employs during his vigilant pursuits. He has encountered various groups, primarily from Romania and Bulgaria, operating in the area.

As he navigates through London’s crowded streets, Galdino faces dangers of his own. On several occasions, he has encountered aggressive reactions from those he confronts. Recently, he has invested in a stab-proof vest for safety, acknowledging the risks involved in his self-appointed role.

Despite the controversy surrounding his methods, Galdino remains committed to his cause. He believes that public awareness and intervention can help make London’s streets safer for tourists and locals alike. “Pickpockets have no shame,” he asserts, indicating that his efforts may be the only deterrent some of these thieves encounter.

In a city where crime statistics indicate a growing problem, Galdino’s presence is a reminder of both the challenges faced by law enforcement and the lengths individuals may go to reclaim a sense of safety in their communities.