Police put brakes on bus pickpockets

Officers from Kenton Safer Neighbourhoods Team patrolled the 183 bus last Thursday to catch thieves red handed as they preyed on vulnerable pensioners.

Following an article in the Observer highlighting the serious pickpocketing problem on the double-deckers, plain-clothed police took to the buses and spent the day travelling up and down Kenton Road to see if they could spot the culprits.

It is believed a large number of elderly people are being targeted, especially at busy times of the day in the late afternoon. Bags are being slashed and purses stolen from pensioners unaware they have been made victims of the pickpockets.

Sergeant Phil Malin, of Kenton Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "It is very sad for anyone who has been affected by any crime, especially those who are elderly and vulnerable and have been targeted in a deceptive way.

"People should not have to live in fear and simple steps could prevent you from being targeted.

"Unfortunately, it is often the case that people only become aware of the precautions to take after they have become a victim of crime."

Between September and October this year there were nine burglaries on the 183 buses involving elderly women.

Donald O'Connor, of West Harrow, contacted the Observer after his mother had three purses stolen by thieves this year.

He said: "I was sickened that our senior citizens were being violated in such a way.

"Since the article in the Observer I have had a great response from (public transport operator) Transdev, TfL and Transport Police. My mother has noticed uniformed officers on the 183. I am pleased to see police patrolling the bus and hope this has highlighted a serious problem."

Sgt Malin is warning people to be on guard when travelling on the bus.

He said: "We are fairly convinced a number of thefts on the buses go unreported. There have been incidents where people's bags have been slashed. Often there is more than one person involved.

"Elderly people should avoid carrying cash. They shouldn't isolate themselves, so they should avoid sitting on their own.

"We are only going to know if crime is happening if people tell us. Even if they don't want to formally report the incident all they have to do is let one of their PCSOs know about what has happened and we will try and do something about it."

n For more information or to contact Kenton Safer Neighbourhood Team call 020 8721 2970.