Police are increasing patrols after thieves target mothers with buggies in Balham.  

Reports suggest pickpocketers have been stealing possessions such as mobile phones from females with children in prams.  

Nightingale Police issued a warning to their Twitter account yesterday (March 15).  

The statement said: “We have had an increase in reports of pickpocketing mobile phones in and around the Balham area.  

“These individuals seem to be targeting females with buggies. Please stay alert and if you see something suspicious please call 101 or 999.  

“As a result of this we will be patrolling this area even more frequently than we normally do, both in uniform and non-uniform.” 

One woman reported that her mobile phone was stolen on Tooting Common when she was tending to her baby.