Attempt to tackle pickpocket gangs

Press, 8 December 1987, Page 48

Attempt to tackle pickpocket gangs

NZPA-Reuter London The police are preparing once again to tackle the highly-organised and skilful gangs of pickpockets who come from as far afield as Latin America and Japan to prey on London’s well-heeled Christmas shoppers.

In the district of Knightsbridge, where some of London’s most chic and popular stores are found, Inspector Philip Wharton said the area will be patrolled over Christmas by 80 extra uniformed and plain-clothes police.

“There is no doubt that there are international gangs that operate from capital city to capital city,” said Mr Wharton, who is in charge of antipickpocketing in the busy district.

Latin America is one source of skilled pickpocketing gangs, he said, and a Japanese team has worked in London 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 $9940 in cash. She had left her bag while trying on shoes in Harrods.

The police have set up a mobile police station outside Harrods to deal with complaints and plan to install a computerised message screen in Knightsbridge that will flash warnings.

The thieves tend to work 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, Mr Wharton said, like people standing at bus stops but not boarding buses. Identification of suspects often depends on picking up eye contact between gang members. Mr Wharton said his men could deter criminals from working 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. Many will issue regular announcements over intercoms.

Harrods plans a substantial increase In security staff for the Christmas crush. Staff will help victims cancel credit cards, and will maintain close contact with the police.