This is the shocking moment a brazen pickpocket tried to steal a woman’s purse near London ‘s Oxford Street.
Video shows the woman catching up with her victim as she walks down a street near the shopping district.
As she gets close she then tries to unzip the woman’s backpack – causing the shocked victim to turn around. She then steps to the side of the pavement to let her go past.
A witness who filmed the incident said: ‘She attempted to take a purse from the bag. But the victim felt it. I advised the victim to report it to the police. Oxford Street is crawling with pickpockets.’
It comes as the rate of pickpocketing in London rises, with Westminster the borough with the most recorded incidents in the past year.
The crook working together with another female is seen following the victim down the pavement, As they get close to her one of them tries to unzip her backpack. But luckily the tourist victim notices and turns around in shock.
Pedestrians walk in the winter sunshine down Oxford Street in central London on February 16, Westminster had a staggering20,871, with Camden second at 5,301, and Southwark third at 4,287.
Kensington & Chelsea came fourth on 2,962, Islington fifth with 2,820 and Harrington sixth on 3,160.
The theft comes after a similar video captured two well-dressed women pickpocketing from a shopper’s bag in the middle of a crowded Piccadilly Circus at Christmas time.
The Met Police has been approached for comment.
In April a pickpocket prevention expert, Lee Thompson, told MailOnline the ways to spot a pickpocket that all people should look out for.
He said: ‘If there is a gang of people getting off and on the train or watching people… be vigilant.
‘If someone is standing very close to you, be wary that they might be digitally pickpocketing you by drawing out your information.’
Other things to look out for include thieves trying to ‘distract’ their victims at cash points ‘by dropping coins’ on the floor as their target puts in their PIN code.
‘The person will snatch your card so be aware of your surroundings.
‘Never go to the hole in the wall, always walk into your bank and take out cash that way,’ he added.
People should also be wary of potential thieves using scooters, bikes or mopeds to carry out snatch and grabs – and the spotters on the street who will be looking to target future victims.
The Met Police has been approached for comment.
The Observers:
These include people loitering in public places who appear to be checking out passers-by, paying particular interest to their handbags, shopping bags and where they might place their wallet or purse.
For example, be aware of individuals who appear to be focusing their attention on the waist area of others. This may be an indication of criminal intent and probable theft. But do bear in mind the fact that some people are naturally shy and do avoid eye contact. Always follow your instincts.
The opportunists:
Pickpockets also operate in shops and department stores, where people are more likely to be standing still, distracted and so paying less attention to their belongings, making them an easier target.
Be more aware of your surroundings in busy shops and shopping centres because they’re ideal places for pickpockets, as it’s easier for them to brush past people, take items and blend into the crowd.
Team tactics:
Pickpockets don’t always operate alone, they may work in teams to distract the target while someone unseen removes the items and blends back into the crowd. Another member might step in as an enforcer in the event of an altercation.
Crowding in:
Thieves vary their tactics based on the location and the density of the crowd. One tactic is where a group of them push up against a victim in a crowded shop or street then quickly reach into the victim’s pocket and steal their wallet, phone or purse.
Dirty tricks:
Remember, pickpockets are very skilled at what they do. They know all the tricks and are extremely light-fingered with most of their thefts only taking a second or two. One of their tactics is ‘hugger mugging’ where a thief will appear to be over-friendly for no particular reason and hug you while pickpocketing you.
The point of distraction:
Pickpocket teams are adept at creating distractions. This could be anything from a game to a loud shout, all designed to avert your attention while an unseen accomplice steals your valuables. So do try not to be easily distracted.
