The City of London Police have warned that “VAR” will be used during the World Cup to clamp down on bag thieves in London pubs.
The force will use CCTV to spot and capture bag thieves, who are expected to be targeting London pubs over the course of the tournament.
Distracted football fans and busier venues create the prime environment for thieves to operate and snatch bags, handbags and personal belongings.
The shocking “VAR” footage released by the police shows a crafty thief using his foot to shuffle a rucksack from underneath a table at a bustling outdoor pub area.
The thief then loops his foot through the strap of the bag while on the phone before discreetly picking the rucksack up and taking off.
Detective Superintendent Jonathan Ball, City of London Police, said: "While fans are focused on the football, bag thieves are looking for chances to score on and off the pitch.
"These thieves don't need many opportunities. A momentary distraction when celebrating a goal, ordering a drink or discussing the match can be all it takes for a bag to disappear. The last thing you want to do is to give them an easy assist.
"VAR will be in use throughout the City and our control officers will be operating CCTV cameras from their very own Stockley Park, looking out for any foul play. On the ground, plain clothes police officers will be defending people from crime and tackling criminals.
"Keep bags close to you, secure them where possible, and never leave valuables unattended. By taking a few simple precautions, you can make sure the only thing you're talking about after the final whistle is the football."
The bag thief, Sid Rebai, 36, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to six counts of theft.
He was also handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from entering the City of London for six years.
Fans are being advised to keep belongings in sight at all times and to loop bag straps around chair legs or on your person. Punters should also avoid placing bags on the backs of chairs or leaving them on the floor.
