Respectable robbers in police uniforms "work" mainly in internet clubs and small cafes. As one of the developers of this operation, London police officer John Morgan, said in an interview with the BBC, the officers are already claiming that they are on the verge of achieving their goal. "It's not only the person whose bag we take who reacts, but also 20-30 of their neighbours, people sitting at other tables," he says.
John Morgan believes that in cafes people relax and think they are safe. That is exactly what, in his words, they should not do. One of the police "robbers", Inspector Colin Carswell, claims that it is easiest to steal belongings from those who leave their bags under their chairs. "This is a very common practice – throwing things on the floor rather than hanging them on the backs of chairs. In fact, by doing so you are giving thieves a Christmas present," he says.
The police are asking Londoners during the sales to take into town only the items they absolutely cannot do without. "Take only the essentials: wallet, keys and mobile phone," urges Colin Carswell. "Passport, chequebook, pocket computer can easily be left at home."
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