The pickpocket was working with Virgin Media O2, which commissioned research of 2,000 adults, and discovered more than a quarter (28%) of those on a contract believe they are overpaying. Overpaying for smartphones is estimated to cost Brits more than £530m every year, with the average impacted consumer overpaying by more than £200 annually – and unlike pickpocketing phones, it is not illegal. Lee Thompson was recruited as the “The Piccadilly Pickpocket” to pinch people's phones, before handing them straight back and asking for payment – to show how many people are being fleeced by their mobile phone provider.
Footage of this theft in broad daylight wouldn't be out of place on Crimewatch – but this “swindler” knew he was being filmed the entire time.
