TOURISTS are being warned after a shock video showed the moment a brazen thief stole a suitcase from a cab outside a major UK station.
A crook was filmed nabbing luggage from the boot of a cab beside King’s Cross railway station in central London.
Twitter/ @UB1UB2 West London (Southall)A thief was filmed helping himself to a traveller’s suitcase[/caption]
The raid was caught on camera by someone sitting in a car just behind and shared on X, formerly Twitter, to viewers’ dismay.
Now cops have issued advice to travellers to avoid falling victim too.
The footage showed someone lifting open the vehicle’s boot while the passenger remained inside, then walking away with a suitcase.
The 61-second clip featured both the theft victim and the driver then appearing bemused and frustrated after finding the back of the car empty.
A sympathetic viewer commented in response: “No one knows the impact of that case being robbed – could have missed a funeral or a birth if he had documents in there.”
Another posted: “The fella that did this has done loads around there.
“There’s a group of them doing it.”
And someone else wrote: “The audacity of this is astounding.”
The Sun Online approached the Metropolitan Police for comment.
Scotland Yard said they did not know the date and time of the alleged offence and had no advice.
But British Transport Police have urged travellers to be on alert.
A spokesman said: “Thieves are drawn to busy environments where people will be temporarily distracted, which unfortunately makes train stations and tourist hotspots a likely target for thieves.
“Luggage thieves use a variety of tactics, so it’s important to remain vigilant and alert when travelling and to keep an eye on your belongings – ensuring valuables are safe, secure, and out of sight if possible.
“If you are the victim of a crime on the rail, or see something that doesn’t look right, you should tell a member of rail staff or a police officer what you have seen. You can also text us on 61016.”
England cricket captain Ben Stokes was left raging earlier this year after having his bag stolen at the same station.
He tweeted in response: “To who ever stole my bag at King’s Cross train station.
“I hope my clothes are too big for you ya absolute ******.”
Shock data also revealed car thefts surged by a quarter last year – while a top ten of the worst areas for motor crime has been revealed.
Security experts have offered advice on protecting your vehicle – while the best accessories have also been suggested.
Another has recommended a suitcase hack to safeguard luggage.
Twitter/ @UB1UB2 West London (Southall)The luggage theft was captured on camera and shared online[/caption]
Twitter/ @UB1UB2 West London (Southall)A cab driver and his passenger were seen discovering the luggage loss[/caption]
Twitter/ @UB1UB2 West London (Southall)Footage captured the crime outside King’s Cross station in London[/caption]