Two rogue street traders on Westminster Bridge have been convicted after being caught by police officers disguised as superhero duo Batman and Robin.
Police officers in Lambeth were forced to get creative after criminals who regularly operate on Westminster Bridge began to recognise them.
Footage of the arrests shows the two “undercover” officers donning the tight-fitting superhero costumes, complete with masks, capes, as they tackled one street trader on the famous bridge.
Unlicensed street trading has been a long-standing issue on Westminster Bridge and along the South Bank.
Despite being just minutes from the Houses of Parliament and visible from New Scotland Yard, it has been described as one of the most lawless places in London, with illegal gambling often blocking crossings and tourists being swindled.
Costica Barbu was convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court after being remanded by police and was fined £925.
But Eugen Stoica fled the UK after being granted bail at the same court.
He was convicted despite his absence and a warrant has been issued for his arrest so he can be sentenced, the Met added.
A police spokesperson said: “We know criminality on Westminster Bridge is a concern for the public.
“We will continue to target those involved, arrest them and continue to put them before the courts.”
Earlier this year, an illegal hot dog seller was fined £11,388 for targeting tourists on the bridge.
Ice cream vans also regularly park up on double lines on the bridge to take advantage of the busy football, with one ice cream van owner fined ove r £1000 last year for obstructing the road.
