An Italian thief played a part in his own capture by calling a cellphone he lost while robbing an elderly woman of her purse.

The 77-year-old victim gave the phone to police, who then arranged a meeting with the robber.

Before the 35-year-old arrived at the meeting point, he had robbed another elderly woman and was riding a stolen scooter.

The thief was freed under a mass pardon granted by Italian authorities to make more room in prisons.