RISE IN PICK POCKETING ON LONDON BUSES

3.28.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Apr 2007

Figures obtained by the Lib Dems on the London Assembly revealed the extent to which theft has increased on London buses. 'Theft from the person' offences, which range from theft of/from a bag (dipping) to items stolen directly from the person, went up 18.5% since 2003/04 from 18,380 to 21,794 in 2005/06.

Liberal Democrat Policing spokesperson on the London Assembly, Graham Tope, said:

"These figures show an alarming increase in Londoners being targeted by pick pockets on buses, especially when theft on the streets is going down. Part of the rise is no doubt due to more people carrying ipods, blackberries and other expensive and easily snatched items.

"There are more people travelling on buses and more PCSOs in outer London boroughs to report crimes to, but the Met must not be complacent. More officers on the buses to reduce crime should come with a push to bring more of these offences to justice.

You can see a borough by borough breakdown of the increase at: http://www.london.gov.uk/mqt/question.do?id=17935