VIDEO: Pickpocket epidemic hits shoppers at Ontario outlet mall [Video]

Image captured from a police video that shows a pickpocket in action.

Pickpockets have been having their way with shoppers at a popular Ontario outlet mall.

Halton Regional Police say investigations are ongoing into the thefts that have taken place at the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills.

Since mid-November, police have received 104 complaints of cellphones being lost or stolen by patrons who have shopped at the outlets located near Highway 401 and Trafalgar Road.

Investigators are sharing a security video of one reported theft to alert shoppers and increase public awareness by providing a visual example of how these thefts are completed.

According to police, the thieves often operate in teams of two or more watching for unsuspecting patrons who use their cellphones while shopping.

When a victim is identified, they are followed until an opportunity exists where one suspect bumps or rubs up against the victim, simultaneously …