Bobbies on Prowl for Gangs of Pickpockets

Police are once again tackling the highly organized and skillful gangs of pickpockets who come from as far afield as Latin America and Japan to prey on London’s well-heeled Christmas shoppers.

In Knightsbridge, where some of London’s most chic and popular stores are found, police Inspector Philip Wharton said the area is being patrolled over Christmas by 80 extra uniformed and plainclothes officers.

“There is no doubt that there are international gangs that operate from capital city to capital city,” said Wharton, in charge of anti-pickpocketing operations in the busy district.

Latin America is one source of skilled pickpocketing gangs, he said, and a Japanese team has operated there in recent years.

About 200,000 people a day shop in Knightsbridge in the hectic days leading up to Christmas, and many carry large amounts of cash, making them tempting targets for the gangs.

Recently, a Belgian woman reported losing $6,300 in cash. She had left her bag unattended while trying on a pair of shoes in Harrod’s, one of the world’s best-known department stores.

Police have set up a mobile police station outside Harrod’s to deal with complaints and plan to install a computerized message screen in Knightsbridge that will flash warnings.

The thieves tend to operate in groups of seven or eight. Three will surround, jostle and confuse the victim, while a fourth lifts a wallet or bag, which will instantly be passed on to a chain of other accomplices.

Without tangible evidence, the actual thief, if caught, will be hard to incriminate.

Credit cards will be passed to a gang member who will often run up large bills within half an hour. Goods acquired will be sold in street markets or returned to the store later for cash.

Detectives look for people who don’t seem to fit in with their surroundings, Wharton said, like people standing at bus stops, but not boarding buses.

Police officers will also look for and warn likely victims.

Wharton said his men could deter criminals from operating in high-risk areas, but added: “Gangs will simply move to areas where they think they can get away with it.”

Shop owners are hoping to protect their customers by increasing security and maintaining awareness. Many will issue regular announcements over intercoms.

Harrod’s plans a substantial increase in security staff for the Christmas crush. Staff will help victims cancel credit cards and maintain close contact with police.