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‘Pickpocket’ gets served instant karma by martial arts expert

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Crowds at an underground station in London recently witnessed a rather unexpected takedown when Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Ivan Skoko overpowered and pinned a suspected pickpocket to the floor. The 29-year-old martial artist reacted in seconds after hearing what he described as a very loud scream from a woman on a Northern line carriage at Borough station. He said he instantly feared someone had been stabbed before noticing a woman looking shaken. That moment convinced him a robbery had just taken place and that the suspect was trying to escape… (Picture: Ivan Skoko/SWNS)
Originally from Croatia, Ivan had already made something of a name for himself earlier this year by winning gold in the men’s ultra heavy category at the Jiu-Jitsu British Open. Since the incident, he’s said that an increase in crime around the gym where he works has made him much more alert to quick-moving thieves. According to Ivan, reacting fast is the only chance to stop someone getting away. He shouted to the woman asking who had targeted her and she pointed directly at a man on the platform. (Picture: Ivan Skoko/SWNS)
Ivan said he opened the train doors and jumped out before the carriage moved off. The entire confrontation lasted no more than five seconds as he took the suspect down and ordered him not to move. A video filmed afterwards shows the man pinned on the floor under Ivan’s knee while saying ‘I don’t want to stab you, bro’. Ivan says the man had attempted to reach for a hammer in his pocket before being stopped with a Judo foot sweep. (Picture: Ivan Skoko/SWNS)
Once the suspect was restrained, Ivan placed his phone on the ground and began recording. He says two phones were found in the man’s pocket alongside the hammer. One of those phones had a Hello Kitty case which Ivan said the victim later recognised and confirmed as hers. British Transport Police arrived at the station and officers arrested the man on suspicion of theft, possession of an offensive weapon and handling stolen goods. Police confirmed enquiries are still ongoing. (Picture: Ivan Skoko/SWNS)
Ivan says this was far from the first time he has confronted criminals. He estimates he has fought offenders at least 10 times, including an incident where masked men tried to vandalise property at his gym. His decision to fight back began five years ago when someone stole his bike from him. After calling police for help he was told ‘Unfortunately you’ll never see your bike again’, which left him frustrated with the lack of available support. (Picture: Ivan Skoko/SWNS)
He said he questioned officers about the point of reporting crime if stolen items would not be recovered. Ivan recalled being told that police did not have enough resources. That was the moment he chose to take his training seriously and commit to defending himself – and others. He insists that anyone who tries to rob him will be disarmed and handed over to police because he refuses to rely solely on official protection. (Picture: Ivan Skoko/SWNS)
Ivan believes people need to protect themselves whenever possible. ‘If you leave yourself to the police’s hands, you’ll be hurt, you’ll be stabbed, you’ll be robbed, you’ll be raped, you’ll be killed in the end,’ he says. He added that he plans to stand up for himself in every situation. ‘That’s not what I’m going to be,’ he added. ‘I’m going to defend myself. I’m not scared.’ (Picture: Ivan Skoko/SWNS)
British Transport Police released a statement confirming the time and date of the incident. ‘An attempted theft was reported at Borough Underground station at around 7.30pm on 28 October. Officers urged anyone with information to contact the force by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 while quoting reference 661 of 28 October.’ The case remains open as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted theft and the items found on the suspect at the scene. (Picture: Ivan Skoko/SWNS)

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