Police have urged World Cup fans to stay vigilant as they watch matches in public, as opportunistic bag thieves seek to steal spectators’ belongings this summer.
Footage shared by City of London police shows one individual standing at an empty table as he speaks on the phone. He can be seen hooking an unattended bag with his foot before leaving the scene.
"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 force said as it shared the footage, adding that “VAR will be in used throughout the City” to monitor thieves.
It urged people to keep their belongings on them at all times, and report any suspicious behaviour.
