In 2006-07 the number of pickpocketing reported crimes stood at 5,885 reflecting a long-term downward trend. BTP launched a long-term initiative to combat pickpocketing in August 2000. A dedicated pickpocket squad, made up of an extra 40 officers, was drafted into central London.

Police tactics to combat pickpocketing

• Maximising high visibility policing in vulnerable areas
• Spreading the expertise of specialist covert pickpocket officers more widely
• Cooperating with London Underground staff in collecting intelligence and deterring pickpockets
• Crime prevention marketing, including information at hotels and embassies for foreign visitors
• Targeting known repeat offenders 
• Enforcing bail conditions to keep pickpockets away from the Tube
• Making those bailed “sign on” twice a day outside the central area
• Unconcealed CCTV to disrupt pickpockets
• Exploring all possibilities of the Crime and Disorder Act, including obtaining Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and participating in truancy patrols

Facts about pickpocketing

Victims

In 2000, a study of pickpocketing victims revealed that more men are targeted than previously, although women remain at most risk. Men account for 20% of victims, compared to 10% in previous studies, possibly because of an increase in the theft of mobile phones.

• 80% of victims are women
• 43% are London residents
• 30% live outside London
• 27% are foreign visitors

Of the foreign visitors, Americans are the most frequent target, followed by Japanese, Germans, French and Italians.

Times

Friday is the worst day for pickpocketing accounting for almost 19% of thefts. Over 66% take place Wednesday to Saturday. The worst time of day is late afternoon/early evening with 25% of thefts taking place between 5pm and 7pm.

Areas

Pickpockets operate all over the central area London where there are crowds. The worst five stations are Victoria, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, King’s Cross and Piccadilly Circus which account for almost a quarter of all crimes. Fifteen stations account for almost half of all crimes. Over 70% of thefts take place on trains.

Who are pickpockets?

Around half of all victims can give some description of the thief. These descriptions show a three-way split between white Europeans, dark Europeans and Afro-Caribbeans.

Pickpockets’ top five tactics

1. Single “dip” operating under cover of a jacket, newspaper or bag
2. Group surrounding and jostling the target
3. Gang – up to four using someone as a “blocker”, a “pusher” and “dipper”
4. Distraction – often used by South Americans. Spill drink, apologise and steal property
5. Bag slasher – in crowded trains and lifts. Teams of two to four men/women surround target and cut strap of bag or slit the bag itself – not so common

How to beat pickpockets

99% of thefts can be easily prevented by a few simple precautions. If people took more care of their property, crime on the Underground could be cut by half.

• Keep purses secure, carry wallets in an inside pocket
• Zip up hand and shoulder bags
• Carry bags in front of you with flaps against your body
• Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm
• Don’t display jewellery
• Don’t show your money, keep it safely in your pocket