'Like sharks circling around their prey': Dramatic moment detective busts girl gang of Bulgarian pickpockets targeting shoppers in Oxford Street

Dramatic body-cam footage shows the moment an undercover police officer swoops on a gang of pickpockets as they try to swipe a purse on Oxford Street.

The three Bulgarian women surround their victim as they attempt to dip their hands into a handbag in London's famous shopping district.

The attempted theft came just minutes after they failed to rob a tourist as she walked along the street.

Plain clothes Metropolitan Police officer Sergeant Steve Stamp is called to the scene after the first theft, and catches the gang in the act as they pounce on their second victim.

Vasileva Yordanka, who is seen in the clip, was found guilty of theft, given a suspended sentence, fined £166 and ordered to pay costs plus a victim surcharge.

Half a million shoppers visit Oxford Street each day. Last year 2,000 were victims of pickpockets in the area.

Sgt Stamp added: 'Everyone knows when they come to London, they are going to go shopping on Oxford Street and all the pickpockets know that is where the'r prey is going to be.

For me, its always the eyes. These thieves are looking down at peoples bags, people's rucksacks, purses and things like that, they are not interested in the shops, that's a giveaway.'

Last month MailOnline revealed shameless begging gangs are making children as young as three hug strangers in the street until they hand over cash.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6441787/Dramatic-moment-detective-busts-girl-gang-pickpockets-targeting-shoppers-Oxford-Street.html

Saw this on TV, scum should be deported !