Skilful thieves in China are using the humble kuaizi or chopsticks to pinch mobiles phones and wallets from the pockets of unsuspecting people.
The ambidextrous bandits have been caught on camera targeting shoppers in busy marketplaces as well as commuters waiting at bus stops.
The CCTV footage catches the robbers striking their unwitting victims from behind, wielding their lightweight eating utensils with ease and precision.
In one video, the pickpocket lifts the coats of browsing shoppers before plucking their phones and wallets, making several failed attempts without being noticed.
Making no effort to disguise his actions from others, the thief also runs alongside a briskly walking man to take his wallet.
Some of the footage was filmed in Hangzhou in the country's east, but the problem has been reported elsewhere.
The ambidextrous bandits have been caught on camera targeting shoppers in busy marketplaces as well as commuters waiting at bus stops.
The CCTV footage catches the robbers striking their unwitting victims from behind, wielding their lightweight eating utensils with ease and precision.
In one video, the pickpocket lifts the coats of browsing shoppers before plucking their phones and wallets, making several failed attempts without being noticed.
Making no effort to disguise his actions from others, the thief also runs alongside a briskly walking man to take his wallet.
Some of the footage was filmed in Hangzhou in the country's east, but the problem has been reported elsewhere.
