Police stage break-ins to test security

Police officers in plain clothes are being sent to break into offices in central London in a novel way to test security.

The squad is tasked with trying to slip past office doormen without challenge. If the walk-in "thief" succeeds, the officer changes into stripyjumpered alter ego, Burglar Bill to make a serious point.

The scheme has been devised by West End Central police to highlight thefts from offices of computers, phones, iPods and cash.

Sergeant Mark Webb said: "Thieves wander around Soho, trying their luck in offices and reaping rewards when they breach security."