Professional pickpocket targets Londoners in video warning people to be vigilant over Christmas

Jamie Bullen25 November 2015

A professional pickpocket scoured the streets of London to steal from unsuspecting victims in a stunt to highlight how people must stay vigilant of thieves over the Christmas period.

Stage entertainer Lee Thompson was captured on camera distracting people he stopped in the street before taking their mobile phones, wallets and other valuables.

Footage shows him stealing a purse from a Spanish speaking woman while asking her to draw a picture.

Another clip sees him swipe an item from a man’s coat as he walks down some steps.

Master pickpocket: Lee Thompson was filmed taking valuables from Londonders
Solent

Mr Thompson, who advises police forces on keeping the public safe from street theft, took part in the video after teaming up with Nationwide to advise the public to be on their guard in the run-up to Christmas.

In the film he said: "We have teamed up with Nationwide Building Society to show the public just how vulnerable they are to pickpockets.

"Pickpockets operate in gangs or they operate solo, they're experts at misdirection. Their main goal is to separate you from your belongings without raising your suspicions."

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 442,000 ‘theft from the person offences’ in a year with London highlighted as by far the most common place for the crimes to be carried out.

Dan King, Nationwide’s Head of the FlexPlus Current Account, said: “Christmas and sales events like Black Friday are a perfect opportunity for criminals to fill their festive wishlist.

"At this time of year people tend to carry more cash on them, making it really easy and lucrative for pickpockets to operate."

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