Undercover police swooped to arrest four suspect serial bag thieves targeting hotels in the Square Mile.
Plain-clothed officers were on patrol when they noticed one man enter the three-star Motel One in Minories on Wednesday.
He was quickly joined by another male who acted as a lookout before the first man left the hotel with a bag.
City of London Police followed the two suspects to a coffee shop where they were joined by two others. The gang were arrested and remain in custody.
A force spokesman said its Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team reviewed CCTV and all four - aged 33, 42, 45 and 56 - had previously been at the hotel and appear to be working as a team.
The most recent theft victim was located and had their possessions returned within hours of arrests taking place.
Detective Sergeant Alice Nicholas said: “Our officers are carrying out proactive patrols across the City every day, backed by one of the most extensive CCTV networks in the country.
“That allows us to identify suspects quickly, track their movements and make arrests.
“If you’re coming into the City to steal bags, you will be caught.
“Just as importantly, our focus is on victims.
“Following this arrest, we were able to recover a bag stolen from a hotel and return it to its owner, who was extremely grateful to have their belongings back.
“As we head into the weekend, we’re urging people to stay vigilant.
“Keep bags zipped and close to you, look out for friends, and report anything suspicious to police straight away so we can take action.”
On Friday, South Americans Juilo Cesar Caqui Tapara, 33, Moises Joya Gattes, 42, and Gian Carlo Chilet Ostolaza, 45, all of no fixed abode, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with multiple counts of theft.
A 56-year-old man was bailed pending further investigations.
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