An opportunist thief who pinched a pretty young woman’s phone at a bus stop and then cheekily handed it back when he apparently realised it was worthless is facing prosecution after he was spotted by cops.

Quick-fingered Celal A. was caught on the CCTV camera of the bus pretending to talk on the phone as he snatched the woman’s phone as she climbed on the bus. In the Turkish city of Istanbul. But after examining it, he apparently decided it was worthless and handed it back to her.

But unfortunately for the crook, who was on the run from prison after failing to return from a day release, he was seen in the act by a plainclothes cop.

He was then grabbed as he handed the phone back to the unsuspecting victim saying she had dropped it. The cheeky crook then tried to claim that the cop should let him go as he had not stolen the phone in the end. But the police officer was not interested and he was arrested anyway.

Plainclothes officers had been on duty in the Turkish city’s Besiktas district which is popular with tourists. They were surveying the area around Dolmabahce Palace, a major attraction and pickpocketing hotspot. When they witnessed the actions of the suspect and swooped to arrest him.

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Celal A., who wears a face mask, can be seen arguing with the plainclothes investigators as they grab him by the arms to get him off the bus.

Police investigations determined that Celal A. was serving a prison sentence but failed to return from day parole.

His criminal record involved 37 different offences for which he was jailed but there were no details of what these were.

Celal A. now faces further charges of attempted theft.

He remains in custody as the investigation continues.