Putpockets are slipping bank notes into Londoners pockets

A London broadband company is spending the summer reversing a common tourist crime. Giving back in London 'putpockets' are slipping money into unsuspecting pockets and purses.

In times past going on holiday meant being vigilant against pickpockets helping themselves to your hard earned money. A lucky few in London have found themselves 'victims' of putpockets. The sneaky putpocket gives instead of taking. Some people have found that up to a 20 pound note has bee slipped into their pocket when they were distracted. The putpockets venue has been in Trafalgar Square, Covent Gardens and other tourist spots in London. A broadband provider has equipped 20 former master pickpockets to slip to notes into unsuspecting pockets until the end of August. Reuters reports:

"It feels good to give something back for a change -- and Britons certainly need it in the current economic climate," said Chris Fitch, a former pickpocket who now heads TalkTalk's putpocketing initiative.

The London Police have been aware of the situation and while it's a nice idea aren't all on board with the reverse crime although they are turning a blind eye on the crafty putpockets running around. AFP reports:

"This kind of thing would not be approved by the MPS because it could lead to misunderstandings and confrontations and it might lead to a form of cover for actual pick-pocketing," a police spokesman said.