The number of cases of pickpocketing reported to the police has plunged by over 25% in two years, the AD says on Tuesday.

In 2013, there were more than 40,000 official reports made about pickpockets but last year the number of complaints fell to below 29,000, the paper says.

Police put the development down to the introduction of specialist teams who focus on pickpockets and recognise gang members. Women out shopping remain the most vulnerable victims, the paper says.