The age of sly pickpockets are slowly coming to an end as a new class of thieves is taking over the subways. These thieves prefer to boldly steal pedestrians' goods on board trains during rush hour.

This has send crime soaring in the subways. Grand larcenies on subway trains have increased 24 percent this year.

This change in tactics by the criminals has also forced the police officers to change their tactics in catching them.

We are moving away from platforms, where crime is not occurring, said Monaghan. We are focusing on trains, NYPD Assistant Transit ChiefOwen Monaghan told the New York Post.

Police intend to increase police presence in the subways in the coming weeks. So beware. That sleeping drunk next to you might actually be an undercover cop.

New York New York