Accused US pickpockets used baby to distract their victim

A baby has been used by a couple in an alleged elevator pickpocketing incident.

The man was caught on CCTV clutching the 10-months-old infant in his arms while “feigning a medical episode” in a New Orleans elevator on June 14, WWLTV reported.

Police alleged he leaned over and pulled a wallet from another man's pocket.

The cornered victim eventually makes his way past the man whose medical emergency ceases as soon as the elevator door closes.

The wallet was returned to the hotel's front desk a short time later but $400 cash had been removed.

Police have released the footage in the hopes a member of the public could identify the man or the woman accompanying him.

They hope to press charges relating to the theft and child cruelty.