A Met operation has reduced theft from vulnerable people leaving banks by 75% in a number of areas including Ealing.

Crime gangs carry out follow-off crime, where one thief loiters inside banks to identify victims, who are then pickpocketed by accomplices.

This type of crime is often under-reported and estimates show that up to 66% of victims are over 60-years-old.

Met officers have carried out patrols around banks, been searching CCTV and raising awareness among customers of thieves’ tactics.