Met Police Sound Alarm on Rising Bank Pickpocketing Scams
Organised crime gangs are zeroing in on vulnerable bank customers, snatching cash as they step outside, the Metropolitan Police warn. The force has dropped chilling CCTV footage from southeast London showing a thief robbing an elderly man right under the noses of a distracted bus driver.
Pickpockets Exploit Elderly Victims with Sneaky Tactics
The clip shows the old gentleman boarding a bus, his plastic bag the perfect target. As the driver gets distracted, the thief dives in and makes off with the cash. The culprit was caught and slammed with a hefty four-and-a-half-year jail sentence for the 2021 crime.
The Met reveals bank ‘follow-off’ crimes—where crooks hang around inside banks to spot victims then pass the loot to outside partners—are on the decline by 75% in some London areas, thanks to tough policing. But they warn these crimes are still massively under-reported, with two-thirds of victims over 60 years old.
Bank Safe Initiative Battles ‘Follow-Off’ Crime
Launched in 2022, the Met’s Bank Safe scheme targets these organised gangs. Local officers patrol hot spots, armed with insider knowledge and CCTV footage to catch repeat offenders. Sgt David James, leading the project, says victims often don’t even realise they’ve been robbed and blame themselves.
“Distraction theft is a very personal crime with life-changing effects. Most victims don’t know they’ve been targeted and blame themselves for losing their hard-earned cash. Operations like Bank Safe help remove these crime gangs from London’s streets.” – Sgt David James, Met Police
Specialist teams continue pushing for further crime drops, working alongside community partners to stop gangs from striking again.
Experts Train Bank Staff to Spot the Scammers
Catriona Still from the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) stresses the importance of alert bank workers. “We’ve trained over 400 staff in high-risk branches last year alone, helping to stop criminals before they strike,” she said. Close teamwork between the DCPCU and the Met has saved customers from losing big sums.
The Bank Safe operation teams up officers with charities like Age UK and local councils to educate and protect.
Safety Tips for Banking Customers
- Stay alert and watch your surroundings.
- Keep cash in secure, hidden pockets or bags.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately.
John McGeachy from Age UK London slammed the targeting of older customers as “particularly insidious.”
“Being a victim can seriously damage confidence and mental health. Older people tend to bank in person, making them easy prey. We welcome police efforts to put an end to these nasty crimes and help people bank safely.”
With scams evolving, the message is clear—stay sharp or risk falling victim to ruthless crooks lurking every time you leave the bank.
