Protect yourself from pickpockets when travelling.

The British Transport Police have made some short videos showing the tricks and techniques pickpockets use to steal from you.  It\'s easier to protect yourself and your property when you know what they do.

www.btp.police.uk/pickpockets

\"Project Spiderweb is a multi agency collaboration to reduce Theft of Personal Property on all modes of transport in London by 10% by July 2012. This project is a direct result from Boris Johnson\'s Mayoral strategy for a safer transport system, The Right Direction.

This far reaching project involves the British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London, working in partnership.

Analysis suggests that commuters using the transport network are at risk of becoming a victim of pick-pocketing offences.

The most usual property to be stolen is purses, wallets and mobile telephones.

Our aim is to give suitable advice to commuters in order to reduce instances of theft.

To achieve this, we are seeking to make contact with people who work in London and travel at peak times.

Whilst aimed at Commuters, the message is also relevant for casual travellers to the City.

British Transport Police have prepared a short video presentation showing examples of how thieves work on the transport system, along with suitable advice on preventing thefts\".

Facts about pickpocketing

Victims

In 2000, a study of pickpocketing victims revealed that more men are targeted than previously, although women remain at most risk. Men account for 20% of victims, compared to 10% in previous studies, possibly because of an increase in the theft of mobile phones.

    80% of victims are women
    43% are London residents
    30% live outside London
    27% are foreign visitors

Times

Friday is the worst day for pickpocketing accounting for almost 19% of thefts. Over 66% take place Wednesday to Saturday. The worst time of day is late afternoon/early evening with 25% of thefts taking place between 5pm and 7pm.

Areas

Pickpockets operate all over the central area London where there are crowds. The worst five stations are Victoria, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, King's Cross and Piccadilly Circus which account for almost a quarter of all crimes. Fifteen stations account for almost half of all crimes. Over 70% of thefts take place on trains.