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"Putpockets" Giving Back a Little Extra Cash

Posted by samzenpus on from the change-you-can-spend dept.

Knowing that a bad economy is immune to sneak attacks, a group of ex-rogues are creeping around London tourist sites and slipping money into peoples pockets. The "Putpockets" were hired by a broadband company and will be stalking tourist spots until the end of the month. Unsuspecting tourist can find anything from 5 pound to 20 pound notes slipped into pockets or unguarded handbags. "It feels good to give something back for a change -- and Britons certainly need it in the current economic climate. Every time I put money back in someone's pocket, I feel less guilty about the fact I spent many years taking it out," said Chris Fitch, a former pickpocket.

4 of 14 comments (clear)

  1. Wonderful. by jayme0227 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Now people will assume it's no big deal if someone bumps into them. They'll be less guarded because they think that it could be a so-called "putpocket" instead of a pickpocket. Bad idea.

    --
    But then I realized the cable was blue, so I only gave it one star. I hate blue.
  2. Great alibi! by SOdhner · · Score: 2, Funny

    No, no! I wasn't taking money OUT of your purse - I was putting more in! Yeah, that's the ticket!

  3. It should still be a crime.... by jameskojiro · · Score: 2

    It is a violation of personal space, but I guess since the UK has cameras everywhere and herd mentality of enforcing their social contract then it is not surprising to see them to use tricks like this to re-enforce the whole Nanny state/Big Brother mentality.

    --
    Tsukasa: All I really want, is to be left alone...
    1. Re:It should still be a crime.... by stagg · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If they were stealing the wallet, placing money in it and returning it I would imagine that it could still be considered theft. It sounds like they don't go that far, but I'm still surprised that any company is willing to risk the possible PR backlash or legal problems that could be spurred by something like this. -You are still invading that person's personal space, and lately the courts haven't been very forgiving of those who grope strangers. -Inevitably one of the employees planting money will get caught, and possibly even injured. I don't imagine they'll have time to explain their contract before the victim assumes that their intent was leaning more toward sexual assault or theft.