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.
Statement From Witness
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.’
Rate of Pickpocketing in London
It comes as the rate of pickpocketing in London rises, with Westminster the borough with the most recorded incidents in the past year.
Westminster had a staggering 20,871, 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.
Security Warning
In April a pickpocket prevention expert, Lee Thompson, said 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.’
