A NOTORIOUS pickpocket has been stalking the unsuspecting lunchtime crowds in Lyric Square.

Fortunately, this light-fingered sneak was working alongside police and HammersmithLondon to raise awareness of the real thieves operating in the area.

From noon until 2pm on November 16 and 17, accomplished magician James Brown slipped small cards into the bags and pockets of shoppers, giving them useful tips on how to avoid being pickpocketed.

He then revealed himself to his victims and told them exactly how crooks could rob them of their possessions.

Mr Brown has worked with police numerous times before, teaching officers the tricks of the trade.

The two sessions were organised by local business group HammersmithLondon, which wanted to warn the public about thieves operating in the area in the run up to Christmas.

Operations director Matthew John said: “This is our Wise Up event, which we’ve organised to give practical advice to residents. Bag dipping in the area is a real problem and it tends to get worse in the run up to Christmas as more people are around shopping.

“It’s just making sure that the people who visit Hammersmith are as safe as can be.

“We've invited James along to show people how to avoid getting their bag dipped, and to show them how easily it can be done.”

Shepherd’s Bush resident Torak Gustav was tricked by the magician.

He said: “I think this is a very good idea. I was pickpocketed once, so I’ve always been careful to keep my items close to me and never in outside pockets.

“Although I was talking to him, I had no idea what he was doing. It came as a complete surprise.”

As well as the bag dipping advice, people could also rummage and swap old books for new ones at the book swap table, while an Olympic representative was on hand to speak to businesses about how to operate during the games next year.

Police also ran a free bike marking session.