The 'concealed hand', the 'easy dip' and 'the stall' are among the common tricks used by thieves and pickpockets prowling London's Tube network and railways.
In a bid to crackdown on the crime the British Transport Police has released video clips of the 13 most common techniques used by determined thieves staking out the popular routes and targeting oblivious passengers.
While crime on the railways has fallen for a ninth successive year, incidents of passengers having their mobile phones, purses and mobile devices pinched have soared.
The Evening Standard reported snatches of mobile smartphones, bags, purses and other items on the Tube and Docklands Light Railway leapt by more than 20 per cent last year, according to recent figures.
The number of thefts from unsuspecting passengers on the capital's rail network also jumped by more than 15 per cent while across the UK that number rose by 16 per cent.
Detectives say the rise in crime is largely due to thieves' wandering hands targeting smartphones, including iPhones as well as a rise in luggage being pinched.
Around half the items stolen on the Underground are smartphones.
A mix of actors and employees were filmed to create the 13 videos, to show members of the public the techniques professional pickpockets and gangs use, displaying the videos on Youtube and the force's dedicated Operation Magnum website.
Common tactics used by pickpockets include stalling or distracting victims at stations. Another video shows a thief using a concealed hand to pickpocket passengers, while other thieves play the part of a 'helpful stranger' to lull their victims into a false sense of security, while stealing items from their bag.
As well as pickpockets, the BTP site reveals clues to help spot the tricks employed by so-called 'gadet-grabbers' and 'luggage-lifters'.
Chief Superintendent Paul Brogden, officer in charge of the operation, said: 'Thefts on the rail network are very rarely opportunistic, they are committed by determined thieves whose sole intention is to steal from other passengers.
'Ttheft of passenger property has been a real challenge for us this year, particularly with the rise in thefts of smartphones and other high-tech devices.
'The increase includes organised pickpocketing and snatch and luggage thefts, which is why we’re running Operation Magnum across the country.'
He said the force has used a range of tactics to create a 'really difficult environment for criminals', doubling the size of its undercover squad and deploying extra uniformed officers on to the Tube network.
Ch Supt Brogden added: ''Thieves operating on the rail network should know that they will be caught and dealt with, no matter where they are operating across Britain.
'However, we want the public to watch our videos and know how to best look after their property on crowded trains.'
He said: 'Top tips include keeping your luggage close by and checking on it regularly, keeping your valuables hidden if you’re going to sleep and always zipping up any hand or shoulder bags.
'Unsurprisingly, mobile phones are a popular target for thieves, so try to keep yours hidden. Installing a tracker application on your smartphone could help trace your device if it’s stolen.'
The BTP are holding a series of anti-theft surgeries at London's main rail stations and are urging passengers to register their phones on the immobilse.com website, which helps police officers reunite people with stolen items.
In a bid to crackdown on the crime the British Transport Police has released video clips of the 13 most common techniques used by determined thieves staking out the popular routes and targeting oblivious passengers.
While crime on the railways has fallen for a ninth successive year, incidents of passengers having their mobile phones, purses and mobile devices pinched have soared.
The Evening Standard reported snatches of mobile smartphones, bags, purses and other items on the Tube and Docklands Light Railway leapt by more than 20 per cent last year, according to recent figures.
The number of thefts from unsuspecting passengers on the capital's rail network also jumped by more than 15 per cent while across the UK that number rose by 16 per cent.
Detectives say the rise in crime is largely due to thieves' wandering hands targeting smartphones, including iPhones as well as a rise in luggage being pinched.
Around half the items stolen on the Underground are smartphones.
A mix of actors and employees were filmed to create the 13 videos, to show members of the public the techniques professional pickpockets and gangs use, displaying the videos on Youtube and the force's dedicated Operation Magnum website.
Common tactics used by pickpockets include stalling or distracting victims at stations. Another video shows a thief using a concealed hand to pickpocket passengers, while other thieves play the part of a 'helpful stranger' to lull their victims into a false sense of security, while stealing items from their bag.
As well as pickpockets, the BTP site reveals clues to help spot the tricks employed by so-called 'gadet-grabbers' and 'luggage-lifters'.
Chief Superintendent Paul Brogden, officer in charge of the operation, said: 'Thefts on the rail network are very rarely opportunistic, they are committed by determined thieves whose sole intention is to steal from other passengers.
'Ttheft of passenger property has been a real challenge for us this year, particularly with the rise in thefts of smartphones and other high-tech devices.
'The increase includes organised pickpocketing and snatch and luggage thefts, which is why we’re running Operation Magnum across the country.'
He said the force has used a range of tactics to create a 'really difficult environment for criminals', doubling the size of its undercover squad and deploying extra uniformed officers on to the Tube network.
Ch Supt Brogden added: ''Thieves operating on the rail network should know that they will be caught and dealt with, no matter where they are operating across Britain.
'However, we want the public to watch our videos and know how to best look after their property on crowded trains.'
He said: 'Top tips include keeping your luggage close by and checking on it regularly, keeping your valuables hidden if you’re going to sleep and always zipping up any hand or shoulder bags.
'Unsurprisingly, mobile phones are a popular target for thieves, so try to keep yours hidden. Installing a tracker application on your smartphone could help trace your device if it’s stolen.'
The BTP are holding a series of anti-theft surgeries at London's main rail stations and are urging passengers to register their phones on the immobilse.com website, which helps police officers reunite people with stolen items.
Source : British Transport Police , DailyMail
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