Superintendent turns pickpocket to make shoppers more streetwise

In his full police uniform Superintendent Jon Morgan offers a sense of security to Christmas shoppers in the busy streets of the West End.

However, their confidence may slip a little when they realise he has just relieved them of a wallet or mobile phone without their knowledge.

Fortunately, the loss is only temporary. The superintendent regularly takes to the streets to "snatch" valuables to show how easy it is.

Mr Morgan, who is in charge of operations at Charing Cross police station, said: "Obviously I return the items but I'm trying to highlight the risks and bring home the message that it is every-one's responsibility to prevent crime."

He adds: "The reaction ranges from amusement to bewilderment. One couple left afterwards clutching their bags — they will never get pick pocketed in the future!"

Comedy writer Sarah Morgan, 30, had her iPod earphones taken from her bag by the superintendent while she chatted to friends in Soho.

She said: "I feel thoroughly chastened. The earphones were hanging out while I was having a nice boozy lunch, so it was very unexpected."

Another shopper said: "I did not even notice my bag was gone until he told me." She declined to give her name.

Last year in Westminster reports of pickpocket offences leapt from 394 in November to 493 in December.

A Christmas crime prevention campaign by West End officers this week is advising shoppers to place valuables in a pocket that you can secure; keep bags, coats and other belongings with you in cafés, bars and restaurants; and watch out for people trying to distract you if you are using a cash machine.