Secrets of the Shoplifters

As the Olympics draws millions to London gangs of pickpockets are on the rise across the capital. This film tells the story of the unseen war on a crime that has 1700 victims a day. Organised crews of pickpockets have descended on London in search of easy pickings. This film tells the story of the unseen war on the 'dippers' and the specialist teams created to take them on. Up 17% in the last two years, pickpocketing is a crime that is rarely witnessed by the public. This film follows the game of cat and mouse played out between the cops and robbers beneath the gaze of tourists and regular Londoners, catching the action as it unfolds and some of the astonishing tricks of the pickpocket trade, from the 'block and shield' to the 'two-fingered lift'.