WITH Christmas just over a month away, new research from Nationwide reveals our streets are a pickpocketing paradise, with thieves pocketing £190 worth of valuables each time they strike.
There were 442,000 theft from the person offences in the year ending June 2015 in England and Wales alone – and that includes Redditch, Alcester and Studley. Based on the average amount taken, this equates to a potential £84 million stolen each year.
Britain’s biggest building society, which polled just over 2,000 street theft victims, is reminding shoppers to be on their guard during the festive season, particularly as the survey shows thieves seek out items like mobile phones. Handset theft accounts for 15 per cent of all incidents and the average value of each loss is £221.
Apple’s iPhone tops the thieves’ wish list, followed by other brands, such as Samsung.
But despite the risk of becoming a target, more than half of pickpocket victims (51 per cent) cover the cost of replacing stolen items themselves because they are uninsured, while only around a fifth of people (22 per cent) maintained they had protected themselves against all potential losses.
And despite mobile phones, cash and cards being the most sought after items, opportunist pickpockets will take anything they can lay their hands on. The Nationwide survey uncovered a bizarre list of things stolen. These included: shoes, a comb, a snooker cue, insulin, a briefcase full of regimental ties, Pokémon trading cards, a bag of sweets and even a contraceptive.
UK pickpocket trends highlighted by the survey shows:
Trouser and coat pockets (34 per cent) are the most common place to steal from, followed by theft from a bag worn over the shoulder or on the back (26 per cent) and theft from a bag on the floor or table (18 per cent).
Three quarters (75 per cent) of victims didn’t realise they were being pickpocketed when it happened.
Expert pickpocket and entertainer Lee Thompson, who advises the police on street theft techniques, said: “There are ways to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft, such as being extra vigilant – if you suspect you are being followed, go into a shop or change direction. Be aware of the helpful stranger or group of children who are experts in making conversation to distract you.”
