Colombian thief deported after stealing from Hexham woman

Summarised from Hexham Courant's report · Updated 4 Nov, 22:45 · Archive

A Colombian man has been deported after stealing £7,000 from a woman in Hexham as part of an organised gang targeting bank customers.

A Colombian national, Armet Cortes, has been deported from the UK after serving part of a three-year and eight-month prison sentence. He was part of an organised gang that targeted vulnerable people withdrawing large amounts of cash from banks and building societies. The travelling thieves would watch for customers drawing significant sums, then use discreet gestures to identify potential victims.

In Hexham in August 2024, a woman withdrew £7,000 before being distracted by a man who placed coins on the ground and asked if they belonged to her. While she was distracted, the money was stolen from her handbag on the passenger seat of her car. The gang targeted 14 victims across the country using similar methods, stealing more than £63,000 in total. One victim lost £15,000.

Cortes and fellow gang member Willmer Guzman admitted conspiracy to steal and were each sentenced to three years and eight months at Newcastle Crown Court in September 2025. The Home Office confirmed Cortes's deportation. Anna Turley, Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, said his removal sent 'a clear message' that those attempting to exploit the UK would face deportation.

Read the report

• Thief deported after stealing £7,000 from Hexham womanA thief who was part of a gang which stole £7,000 from a woman after targeting her at a Hexham bank has been deported from the UK.Hexham Courant · 4 Nov, 16:51

In this story: Armet Cortes · Willmer Guzman · Hexham · Home Office · Newcastle Crown Court

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