Undercover police floor London phone snatcher mid-theft

Footage released by the Metropolitan Police shows proactive officers foil an attempt to steal a mobile phone oin Oxford Circus.

In the footage a man can be seen following an unsuspecting tourist and attempting to remove a mobile phone from his pocket, before being tackled by two Met plain clothes officers, who were proactively looking for thieves.

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[LJW]

I had a mate (police officer) in London back in the mid 80's who used to stand by shop windows on Oxford Street in civvies wearing sunglasses and holding a blind persons cane... He caught and arrested sooo many pick pocketers (is that the right term?) Bloody brilliant..!

EDIT: Seems like a few people have misunderstood what I have written above. He wasn't waiting around to get robbed by a pickpocket, he was on the "lookout", albeit undercover so to speak, watching for the thieves that target tourists and others on the pavement. Hope that clarifies things.

[markbrock]

Great work Police, the vast majority of us appreciate the work you all do

[staceygrahame]

This is awesome! London needs this SO much especially in the tourist areas. I love how the under covers are so good at their job, the man was floored and his hands behind his back before anyone even had chance to look around.

[Fendogs.]

They probably already arrested this person five times for the same thing, that is how they knew to follow.

[Tallisper]

I spoke to several police officers, all of whom expressed frustration over judges releasing criminals on parole or reducing their sentences for good conduct. As soon as these individuals are released, many resume committing the same crimes. Being a police officer can be disheartening; you see your hard work going to waste.

[chrisb]

Great policing!! This is how it used to be done regularly 👏

[magpiemagpie]

First robbery 1 year, second 10 years, third life. And they should work in prison to fed themselves, else water and bread.

[stoicepictetus]

Wow !! Brilliant. I love the police and their work. Thank you !!!

[crazykittenvideos]

Sends the right message. Thanks for posting

[booster]

Sometimes cops really are in just the right place at just the right time. Bravo, Officers! And thank you for your service!

[b.nichols]

And next month/year the thief will get to court and be released with a telling off by our pathetic system.

[Henrito]

How enriching is that man's presence in London!

[perryedwards]

Well done!!! Great proper policing!! Love it, it gives me hope!!

[Unedited]

Awesome work guys! Keep at it. Wish we had more of this on the media.

[ianallen]

The most amazing thing about this video, is that it shows British police actually doing their jobs instead of harassing citizens for political thought crimes.

[grahamwatson]

It's ok he apologised and was told not to do it again 🤬🤬

[Panic_Eruption]

This could be a training session on the street for undercover cops.

[BrianCadoret]

Thanks to the plain clothes police, good job well done.

[premkamandir]

Congratulations to the U.K. authorities!
Good job!

[ryanmelvin]

Love that the cop was wearing a Philadelphia 76ers shirt!!! GO SIXERS