Skilled US pickpockets swipe man's wallet

Security footage from an elevator in Washington DC has shown just how quickly and effectively a team of highly skilled pickpockets can operate.

Police are on the hunt for two men who stole the wallet of a man with a walking cane last Thursday.

One of the men drops something in front of the victim to stall and distract him, and while the man bends to pick it up the second perpetrator moves in behind the man and removes his wallet.

The pair then kindly hold the elevator doors open for the man to walk out.

Police have not identified the men in the video and have offered a reward of $1300 for any information.