0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's the most famous shopping street in the world,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07in the heart of Britain's capital city -
0:00:07 > 0:00:12a mile and a half long, with 30 million visitors each year,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14with some of the world's most famous shops,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- biggest stars...- Kate Moss. - CHEERING
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- ..and busiest stations. - Sorry, guys, stand back for me!
0:00:21 > 0:00:24What does it take to keep it running 24 hours a day...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27It's the busiest street in the world, so needs constant attention.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- ..seven days a week?- Oi! Clear off!
0:00:30 > 0:00:33You're going to be arrested on suspicion of attempted theft.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Are you ready, London?
0:00:35 > 0:00:38A street that never sleeps.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41This sort of thing wouldn't happen anywhere else.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Oxford Street.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47Coming up...
0:00:47 > 0:00:51The Oxford Street police crack down on table surfing -
0:00:51 > 0:00:54distraction thefts from bars and cafes.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Just be aware of your belongings cos they'll be targeting you.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00The Traffic Droid takes on bad driving.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03What is your problem, sir? Your driving is terrible.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Window cleaning on ropes.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08This is the best bit - the point of no return.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12And bargain hunters go crazy for the Boxing Day sales.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Somebody will be up on the 5th floor in about two seconds
0:01:14 > 0:01:16and they can start buying their TVs.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22Oxford Street may be the home of shopping in the West End,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25but the streets and courtyards immediately around it
0:01:25 > 0:01:27are the place to eat and drink.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30There's everything from Michelin stars to frozen ice bars
0:01:30 > 0:01:34and the best restaurants get busy from early in the evening.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Making sure it's a safe place to eat and drink
0:01:37 > 0:01:41is the job of the Oxford Street police team, known as ORB,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45and tonight, PC Andy Pescott is on patrol, doing just that.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49At the moment, he's on the lookout
0:01:49 > 0:01:52for a priority crime known as table surfing.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55This is when thieves target bars and restaurants
0:01:55 > 0:01:57and attempt to distract their customers,
0:01:57 > 0:02:02then steal items like phones or cash from their tables.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04It's a problem throughout UK city centres
0:02:04 > 0:02:09but the ORB team have the resources to target it hard.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11And out on patrol...
0:02:13 > 0:02:17From 3279. Have you got a direction of travel, please?
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Negative. No direction of travel at the moment.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22..Andy gets a call to just such a crime.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Flower seller's just stolen a phone on Hanover Street.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29It's only a few hundred yards away, so Andy hurries.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35But at the location of the robbery, there's no sign of anyone suspicious.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Andy decides to take a look round the area,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42but the description he was given over the radio is basic.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45It was a possibly European male, dark clothing.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Basically, it's called table surfing
0:02:47 > 0:02:51and they'll pretend to try and sell you flowers
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and at the same time, they will surf your phone off the table
0:02:54 > 0:02:57and that's what's just happened in Hanover Street.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00This time round, it seems the thief is long gone.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Yeah, re the flower seller, Slug and Lettuce,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06I've done a quick area search from Hanover Street,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Brook Street, South Molton Lane, South Molton Street - no trace.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Andy decides to warn drinkers at the local pubs
0:03:13 > 0:03:18that there's a table surfer about and it seems he's been seen.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20How long ago and where?
0:03:20 > 0:03:24I would say it was about an hour ago and right there. He had flowers.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Yeah. So, basically, he's offering you flowers
0:03:27 > 0:03:29but when he puts them down, he'll take your phone.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33For tonight, at least, Andy's thief is gone.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36But the ORB team know there are table surfers out there
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and they're determined to stop them. With that in mind,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43tonight, other plain-clothes officers have been covertly hidden
0:03:43 > 0:03:46in various pubs and restaurants,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49in an operation overseen by PC Darren Bond.
0:03:49 > 0:03:50Whoa.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55And just off Oxford Street, Darren sees two men
0:03:55 > 0:03:58he thinks are behaving suspiciously. He decides to tail them.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01I've seen a couple of guys.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04I noticed one of them outside one of the restaurants up the road
0:04:04 > 0:04:07and he was looking around a lot before going in.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11I've now noticed them going towards another restaurant
0:04:11 > 0:04:14a few minutes later and, again, very edgily looking around
0:04:14 > 0:04:17before looking to go into a restaurant.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Maybe they're looking for bags to take.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21They're walking off again now from this restaurant.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25The only option is to covertly follow the two men.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27They soon head into another restaurant.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31Darren follows them in and decides it's time to sit down on the job.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- OK.- So, it won't be eating,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- it'll just be watching somebody for a second.- I see, OK.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44But after a few moments, Darren is happy
0:04:44 > 0:04:46that the two men were just being fussy
0:04:46 > 0:04:48over which restaurant to choose.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51You'll get ones that'll sit down in a restaurant
0:04:51 > 0:04:53but you're looking not so much...
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Sometime you think that's more innocent
0:04:55 > 0:04:57but it can be sometimes they're looking to do something
0:04:57 > 0:05:00next to them, but these guys, I can't see anything for them
0:05:00 > 0:05:04to take where they are, so they're probably all right.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08But, elsewhere, there has been a table surf and Darren gets word
0:05:08 > 0:05:12that one of his covertly hidden officers thinks she's foiled it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16A couple of the team have deployed to one of our hot spots
0:05:16 > 0:05:21and are looking for bag thieves and what we call table surfers
0:05:21 > 0:05:23and they've been looking for that type of offence
0:05:23 > 0:05:26and have witnessed one, so we've got one detained.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Later, Darren catches up with his team and a table surfer.
0:05:38 > 0:05:435,000 cyclists are injured on the roads in London every year.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48Of those, more than 400 are seriously hurt or even killed.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52But one man is on a personal crusade to do something about it,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55recording and uploading hundreds of hours of footage
0:05:55 > 0:05:58of drivers and riders breaking the law.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02He's made it his mission to shame dangerous road users on YouTube
0:06:02 > 0:06:04and report hundreds to the police.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06HORN BLARES
0:06:06 > 0:06:09What's the matter with you? You just knocked my hand.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11HORNS BLARE
0:06:15 > 0:06:19HORNS BLARE
0:06:19 > 0:06:23In doing so, he's earned a reputation as a hero...
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- Love your YouTube channel. - Thank you, sir.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28..or a complete nuisance, depending on whom you ask.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- You are a fool. - No, YOU are the fool.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Meet Lewis, the Traffic Droid.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Today, as every day, he's on Oxford Street.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Wind down your window. You're a pathetic driver!
0:06:42 > 0:06:44If you violate the rules
0:06:44 > 0:06:47or terrorise any cyclists or pedestrians,
0:06:47 > 0:06:49I will report you and have you done.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- Lewis has become a minor celebrity. - Hello.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57But there's a reason he takes his campaign so seriously.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Before I became Traffic Droid, I was an ordinary cyclist.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03I got hit, almost killed,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06by a driver in a hit-and-run incident, who left the scene.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09It was six months before I started cycling again.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12But I was worried about getting back on the road and I said,
0:07:12 > 0:07:14"How am I going to deal with these drivers?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- "How am I going to report them?" - HORN BLARES
0:07:17 > 0:07:20I still feel a bit of anger from that first accident
0:07:20 > 0:07:22because the driver left me for dead.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25The aim is to have a safe environment
0:07:25 > 0:07:29for cyclists and pedestrians and for drivers to take extra care.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33To aid him on his mission, he rides a modified bicycle
0:07:33 > 0:07:36and carries a little more gear than the average cyclist.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41I have the droid cams on my droid helmet.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46I have high-intensity beams, a microphone in-built into my helmet.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50The droid bicycle is not complete without the droid horn.
0:07:50 > 0:07:57- HORN BLARES LOUDLY - 135 decibels of car-repellent power.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Lewis has eight cameras, as well as an extendible ruler...
0:08:01 > 0:08:06That is only 64 centimetres - less than the legal requirement.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- ..and the universal sign for foul play.- Red card.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Lewis's daily commute takes him along Oxford Street,
0:08:13 > 0:08:17which he says is a hot spot for cycling accidents.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Today, as any other, if he sees any dangerous behaviour,
0:08:20 > 0:08:25he'll film it and report it to the police as part of a formal complaint.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28The street's a mile and half long and, as ever,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30he starts in the east at Tottenham Court Road.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34Today, as usual, he is being law-abiding.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37He takes the Highway Code very seriously.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43OK, shoulder checks. Right-hand signal.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49Shoulder checks, left-hand signal, get back in lane.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52But other road users aren't being quite as careful.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Taxi driver texting when turning - ridiculous!
0:08:55 > 0:08:58See that guy jumping the lights?
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- LEWIS HONKS HORN - Behave yourself, man! So impatient.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07I have three methods. I rebuke...
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Hey! Hey! Hey! Wait! You wait!
0:09:10 > 0:09:14..I educate... Sir, you're violating traffic rules.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Do not pass the solid white line.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19..and I prosecute. Is that hands-free mobile, sir?
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Should I report it to the police, sir? I have the evidence.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28Some drivers think I'm an interfering person,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31but I'm only here to help them.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Further down the street,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36he gets the chance to put his methods into action.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39A taxi driver has not given him enough room
0:09:39 > 0:09:43and encroached on an area where pedestrians cross.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Hold it. Hold it. People are crossing.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- What is your problem, sir? - What's YOUR problem?
0:09:53 > 0:09:55People are crossing.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Yeah, well, I haven't got to the crossing. I know what I'm doing...
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Your driving is terrible. - And so is yours!
0:10:01 > 0:10:03You're a nuisance.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06No, YOU are a nuisance, because you're endangering other people.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10The driver pulls off but the lights are only a few yards away
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- and Lewis isn't finished. - And this is my point.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Taxi drivers rushing everywhere, rushing everywhere,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21rushing everywhere without consideration
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- of pedestrians on Oxford Street. - Mind your own business.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Ridiculous, careless, selfish driving.- Look after yourself.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32I am trying to look after myself but you're not watching out for me.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- Don't worry about other people. - You need to be careful.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37He's a terrible cyclist.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40He's worried about everybody else, but his own ability.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Keep your eyes on the road, turkey!
0:10:42 > 0:10:47Point made, Lewis chooses not to report the incident this time
0:10:47 > 0:10:49but later, he witnesses something
0:10:49 > 0:10:51he's not prepared to forgive or forget.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53I'm going to report you as well
0:10:53 > 0:10:56for violating rule 178 of the Highway Traffic Code.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09It's 6.30am on Oxford Street and, at the moment, all the shops are shut.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12This is no time for a bit of retail therapy,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15but it IS the time when the street does its housework.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21Oxford Street, more than most roads, needs to keep up appearances,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24which is why Craig Deamer and his team of window cleaners
0:11:24 > 0:11:26are here bright and early.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30Today, this office block is in their sights.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33The owners want the windows cleaned before the shops open their doors
0:11:33 > 0:11:35in a couple of hours' time.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38The team unpack the van and get ready.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41First up, they need to make the pavement safe.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42I just created a little drop zone
0:11:42 > 0:11:45so people can walk without getting tangled up in our ropes.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47This being Oxford Street,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50cleaning the windows takes a little more than a rag and a bucket.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55With no space for erecting a platform or machinery,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58they're going to have to do this one from the top down.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00It's the middle of Oxford Street.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04It's going to be very busy in the next half an hour or so.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Our biggest concern is the weather. It's predicted thunderstorms later.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12So, they quickly head to the roof to get started.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- LIFT:- 'Doors closing.' - They're taking the easy way up.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21But it'll be the hard way down. They're going abseiling.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23With such extreme window cleaning ahead,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26they need specialist equipment
0:12:26 > 0:12:29and the all-important hi-tech cleaning solution.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Bit of washing-up liquid with a bit of water. That's the secret.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36OK, ready to go.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39These ropes can take the weight of five fully-grown men,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42so there's no concern over them snapping,
0:12:42 > 0:12:44but Craig has another worry.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Any rubbing of the rope on a sharp edge will just cut the rope.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- That's our main concern. - Fortunately, they have a solution.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54We use Kevlar matting.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59Kevlar is five times stronger than steel and will prevent any disasters.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Craig and Andy will be doing the first run.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03Back on the ground,
0:13:03 > 0:13:07trainee rope window cleaner, Sean, will be keeping an eye on the clock.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11He doesn't know it yet, but he's also going to be having a go himself.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14The shop will be open at nine o'clock, so we've got to get
0:13:14 > 0:13:16these two front elevations done before the shop opens.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19But, even with all safety measures taken,
0:13:19 > 0:13:21the experienced hands are apprehensive.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25If you ain't nervous, you're more likely to make more mistakes.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29And with one last text to his mum, it's time to clean some windows.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34This is the best bit - the point of no return.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41As they progress down, those Kevlar safety mats are going their job.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44And the windows certainly need plenty of attention.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49The street has near-permanent bus and taxi traffic, a hoard of pigeons
0:13:49 > 0:13:53and this particular building is next to the giant building works
0:13:53 > 0:13:57at the Crossrail site. This could take a lot of washing-up liquid.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Cleaning the windows, come up to the bars -
0:14:00 > 0:14:02bit difficult to get your arm behind.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Apart from that, great views, great scenery.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17With the seasoned pros getting the windows above the alley and doorway
0:14:17 > 0:14:19finished in time for the shops to open,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Craig has a surprise for trainee Sean.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Right, Sean, it's your turn, buddy. - OK.- How do you feel about it, bud?
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Fine.- Yeah?- Looking forward to it. - All right, go steady.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30I'll be down the bottom if you need me.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33It's not trainee Sean's first time up the rope,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36but Oxford Street has more distractions than most
0:14:36 > 0:14:38and with the rain due within the hour,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42this will be a test of his ability to focus and get the job done.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- He fancies his chances. - It's a lot to take in.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48You've got really concentrate and knuckle down in your training course
0:14:48 > 0:14:51and then that all shows when you're out on the ropes.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53But now's the moment to keep his cool.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56He's tying the ropes that will take his weight once he's hanging
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- over the edge of the building. - This looks shorter.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Between the two eights, where you had the other eight.- Oh, OK.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Look like you're shaking a bit. - SEAN LAUGHS NERVOUSLY
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Excited. Looking forward to going over the edge
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- and doing some window cleaning. - Down on the ground,
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Craig is also waiting for Sean to get on with the job.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18When we do this bit and go over the edge,
0:15:18 > 0:15:20the adrenaline kicks in and it's great.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Sean is now suspended over Oxford Street,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26at the mercy of the ropes he tied himself.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31But Andy is watching his every step.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Try and make sure your rope protector's done up nice and secure.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38It's now up to Sean and Andy to clean the rest of the windows
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- and divvy up the work. - I can't get...- You can't get there?
0:15:43 > 0:15:47Is it just too much of a stretch for you? I'll get your bit of window...
0:15:51 > 0:15:54So that's your half and my half.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58Quite what the office workers inside make of it is anyone's guess.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00And by the end of the drop,
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Sean is confidently cleaning windows like an old pro.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- Well done. Good effort. - You've done really well.- Cheers.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Bit more swinging and you'll be fine.- I really enjoyed that.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Getting over the edge was a bit of a buzz and adrenalin,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21then coming down, yeah, it was good.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24But with several hundred stores on Oxford Street
0:16:24 > 0:16:26needing their windows cleaned,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29there's a steady stream of work for the boys.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31But that's a job for another day.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35We can drive away, happy that the job's been completed on time.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37HE TOOTS HORN
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Oxford Circus Tube station.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55Tens of thousands of people pass through this ticket hall each day,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58making it the busiest station on the network.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02And for staff based here, how they interact with passengers
0:17:02 > 0:17:05and the quality of their customer service is everything...
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Northbound Bakerloo, platform four.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11..as new girl Sinead knows only too well.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13It's a job you have to have quite a thick skin for.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16You have to be quite bubbly, you can't be too shy.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Customers are always in need of help,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21they're always in need of directions they're always in need of help
0:17:21 > 0:17:25with the machines, tickets or just general information.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28It's a fantastic job and I'm glad I'm here.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30I need to go to Kensington.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Change at Victoria for the Circle line
0:17:33 > 0:17:36and that will take you to High Street Kensington.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38And it's a good job she's prepared
0:17:38 > 0:17:41because tonight's an important one for the station.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Transport for London are modernising the Tube service
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and this includes closing ticket offices
0:17:48 > 0:17:51so customers can only buy tickets from machines.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53The plan is this will free up staff
0:17:53 > 0:17:56to deal with passengers face-to-face on the station floor.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00But some staff are nervous, so today, at Oxford Circus,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03they're doing a trial closure.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Team leader Mustak is overseeing the experiment.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Today, all our staff will be coming
0:18:08 > 0:18:10and helping our customers on the machines.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Staff realise that technology has taken over
0:18:14 > 0:18:17so they have to utilise that more and they understand that,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20but some staff are nervous.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23One staff member who will be coming out of the office today
0:18:23 > 0:18:25is station assistant Stan Neill.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- He's worked the ticket office here for nearly 30 years.- I'm sad.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34I think the ticket office should have been kept open, my own opinion,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37because it's nice to help people at the window,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41especially tourists, and we're coming to the busy summer season,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44so that should be fun and games outside.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47I hope it all goes well, that's all I hope.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49They're about to find out.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- You're giving me £10.- Stan, make that your last one, yeah?- OK.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58So, I'm going to close now and get outside amongst all the people.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01You deal with the two machines here, three machines.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03This is your guideline, so if you're not sure what to do,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- this tells you in there.- OK, thanks.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09So, with a guidebook and some encouraging words,
0:19:09 > 0:19:12staff now have an hour and a half of solid customer service
0:19:12 > 0:19:14and no ticket office to hide away in.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18It's just a trial this time, but in two weeks,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22their jobs will be based permanently out on the ticket hall floor.
0:19:22 > 0:19:28- Mustak's team get stuck in. - It's £4.80 to Arsenal.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- Two children to Victoria, return. - No, hang on.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34The best ticket is a one-day travel card, OK?
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Is it cheaper than the return? - Yeah.- OK.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38But it's not long before the team are faced
0:19:38 > 0:19:40with a more complex ticket problem.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43This man's monthly travel card is broken
0:19:43 > 0:19:45and he needs to get it replaced.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48I went to the ticket office to get it changed,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51but it looks like it's closed.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Without a ticket office, Mustak's options are limited.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01I can do it for two days
0:20:01 > 0:20:05and then they will transfer the monthly to your new card.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Mustak can't issue a new monthly card from the machines available.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12The man will have to make do with a two-day ticket
0:20:12 > 0:20:15and contact customer services separately.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16The ticket office was great last time.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19This time there was no ticket office, so we'll see.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24It's a far from ideal start for the closure trial
0:20:24 > 0:20:26but while staff continue to get to grips with it,
0:20:26 > 0:20:30other staff are about to put different customer service skills
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- to the test. - VIP, eastbound Central line.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- What number train, rear car? Over. - Train number 002. Over.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40On my way. Out. I'm going to go and meet a VIP.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45Gerry Haines, better known as the Colonel, has got a VIP to deal with.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49VIP, in company parlance, means a visually impaired passenger.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52A visually impaired passenger is going to need help
0:20:52 > 0:20:56being led from one platform to another. That's where I come in.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58While he heads to the platform,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01up top, Sinead has got herself a traveller
0:21:01 > 0:21:04in need of a different kind of assistance.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13This man has had a few drinks
0:21:13 > 0:21:17and staff believe he slipped on the stairs and banged his head.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21Sinead takes him into the office. He could need medical help.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26Later, VIPs, injuries and ticket issues are par for the course
0:21:26 > 0:21:30as evening continues in the ticket hall.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Outside a busy bar full of evening drinkers,
0:21:40 > 0:21:43the Oxford Street police team have made an arrest
0:21:43 > 0:21:45and they think it's a big score.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50One of Darren's most recent recruits has radioed him
0:21:50 > 0:21:54to say she's just bagged herself a table surfer.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56Yeah, so my colleagues who's got this body
0:21:56 > 0:21:59was recently on our training programme
0:21:59 > 0:22:02and has done a number of shifts working with us.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Darren is soon on the scene. This is the suspect.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08He's having his picture taken and circulated
0:22:08 > 0:22:11to see if any other officers recognise his face.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14The guy's been seen to approach the table
0:22:14 > 0:22:16with four young ladies having a drink
0:22:16 > 0:22:18with their phones on the table.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22He's put an A4 piece of paper across the table
0:22:22 > 0:22:25that has, scrawled on it in some foreign language, some writing.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29It doesn't seem to be particularly legible, but that doesn't matter,
0:22:29 > 0:22:31cos that means the person has to look at it more intently
0:22:31 > 0:22:34to see what they're actually reading in front of them.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37This is the paper. It's part of a cunning ruse,
0:22:37 > 0:22:41but Darren's covert officer spotted what was happening.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Myself and Richard have been out today in plain clothes.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47We've been in All Bar One, sitting by the table.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50I noticed this gentleman approach some females
0:22:50 > 0:22:51with a bit of paper in his hand
0:22:51 > 0:22:53and put his hand under the bit of paper
0:22:53 > 0:22:56and I could clearly see him pick up the phone, which amounts to theft.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00So, we stopped him straightaway and he's been arrested for theft.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Excellent result. Really pleased with it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06The training course helps officers to develop the skills
0:23:06 > 0:23:09to spot when individuals might be up to no good.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11This shows that the training course really does work.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15The arrested man seems a little bewildered at what's happened
0:23:15 > 0:23:17and doesn't want to try his English.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19HE SPEAKS IN NATIVE TONGUE
0:23:21 > 0:23:23With the suspect taken in for interview,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26the woman whose phone was nearly stolen is relieved
0:23:26 > 0:23:28to still have her prize possession.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31This is my iPhone and, obviously, it's a smartphone
0:23:31 > 0:23:36and they're quite desirable, so a lot of people will try and get them.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39He basically put that bit of paper on top of my phone,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41trying to steal my phone and, luckily,
0:23:41 > 0:23:46we managed to catch this and we got really lucky
0:23:46 > 0:23:49because next to us, there were two police officers.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52They blended extra well cos I would never have guessed
0:23:52 > 0:23:56that they were police officers and I'm grateful that they were here.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59It's one table surfer safely off the streets,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01but there will be others out there.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Darren thinks the diners and drinkers of the West End
0:24:05 > 0:24:08would do well to keep their eyes peeled.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Always ask yourself, "Why is this person approaching my table?
0:24:11 > 0:24:14"Why are they talking to me? What are they doing with their hands?"
0:24:14 > 0:24:18Just be aware of your belongings, your bags by your feet,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21all of those, cos they'll be targeting you.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25They're looking to target people in pubs, in cafes,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28catch them unawares and be off with your personal property.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Don't allow them to.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43On Oxford Street, the Traffic Droid is on his daily commute...
0:24:43 > 0:24:47What is that in your hand, sir? Mobile phone.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51..doing his bit to address cycle safety in central London.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Drivers using mobiles are one of his main bugbears.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Is that a mobile?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Why is it in your hand, texting? Why are you texting?
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Yes, you were texting just now. I had it on camera.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Don't do it again.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Do you always read a newspaper when you drive, sir?
0:25:17 > 0:25:21Today, Lewis is approaching an Oxford Street junction
0:25:21 > 0:25:24when he spots a taxi driver parked in a keep-clear zone.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28With the cab so far forward, it's blocking a bus's turning circle
0:25:28 > 0:25:30and neither can move.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35You tell him off for being beyond that line, yeah? Tell him off.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37Tell him off.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41The cab backs up but Lewis isn't impressed.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44For him, it's just the sort of careless driving
0:25:44 > 0:25:45he's determined to stamp out.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Silly man. And he's going to cross the line again.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54The cab stops past a second white line.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00You see what happens when you cross a white line.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05You should never stop beyond that white line
0:26:05 > 0:26:08because you're breaking the rules. I'm going to report you
0:26:08 > 0:26:10because you don't understand what I'm talking about.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Back there you held a bus.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- I love your YouTube channel. Really good.- Thank you, sir.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18This guy held up a bus because he crossed the white line
0:26:18 > 0:26:22and they don't understand that. That's a violation in itself, yeah?
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I'll report you as well. Look at where your wheels are.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32How? Tell me far it is.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I'm going to report you as well for violating rule 178
0:26:38 > 0:26:40of the Highway Traffic Code, both of you.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43You're both busted. That's a red card for bad driving.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48You too, red card. Smile now, cry later.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Unhappy with both drivers,
0:26:50 > 0:26:54a furious Lewis decides to take his complaint to the next level.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58In the nearby West End Central Police Station,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00he unpacks his droid gear and gets to work.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Memory drive...
0:27:04 > 0:27:05..cables and my laptop.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10All essential equipment of being Traffic Droid.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15Lewis prepares a statement and runs off a CD with a copy of the video.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Actually, I just noticed he gave me a very rude sign.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24When a road traffic offence is reported in this way,
0:27:24 > 0:27:28the victim is offered the chance to suggest the appropriate punishment
0:27:28 > 0:27:31and Lewis opts for them to go on a training course.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32I think that will hurt them more -
0:27:32 > 0:27:34cyclists sending drivers back to school
0:27:34 > 0:27:37to learn how to drive properly. It's not a malicious thing.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It's something which has to be done.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44It's one of hundreds of complaints filed by the Traffic Droid.
0:27:44 > 0:27:50Yes, I've just come to submit a form 96X. Seal of approval. That's it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54And with that, Lewis's day on Oxford Street is over.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57But he'll soon be back on the road, cameras rolling.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09Oxford Street's central location makes it the ideal place
0:28:09 > 0:28:13for star-studded openings and product launches.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16And that usually means there'll be a photo opportunity or two
0:28:16 > 0:28:18with a famous celeb on the street.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20And that's it. That's lovely.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22That's great. That's lovely. Thank you, Anthea.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Today, an event is planned
0:28:24 > 0:28:28with a soap actress appearing on the steps of a large department store
0:28:28 > 0:28:32and that's good news for photographer Andy Barnes.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Michelle Keegan is turning up at House of Fraser.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39She is number one FHM's sexiest women in the world.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43Doing a big party tonight, but she's doing a launch of a clothing range
0:28:43 > 0:28:46at House of Fraser, Oxford Street. I'm on my way.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Andy is a celebrity photographer who makes his living
0:28:52 > 0:28:55being in the right place at the right time with a camera.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58He's usually on or around Oxford Street
0:28:58 > 0:29:02and thinks snaps of former Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan
0:29:02 > 0:29:05are something he can sell to celebrity magazines.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Pictures of Michelle Keegan, at the moment, sell exceptionally well.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11They are really good. They are like gold dust.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15She's getting married to Mark Wright, so there's a lot going on.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18It's very buzzy-buzzy. They're right on top of the list.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Andy's hoping to get an exclusive.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Cos I know so many people in the area now,
0:29:23 > 0:29:25I get invited to events and parties.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28This is really my manor, if you like.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33But at House of Fraser, it's clear he's not the first pap on the scene.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- Do you know what time? - Er, 5.15.- 5.15?
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Andy gets to work.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41First of all, he needs to find out
0:29:41 > 0:29:43the state of play with the store itself.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Is this where the photocall's going to happen?
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- Where's she going to...? - Right there.- Right there?
0:29:54 > 0:29:58- Definitely for quarter past five? - Yes.- Yeah? Brilliant.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01The event's important for House of Fraser.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03They're hoping the celebrity endorsement
0:30:03 > 0:30:06will help them sell more of the clothing line.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08To help gain publicity, they've roped off an area
0:30:08 > 0:30:11on the front steps of the store for photographers.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15Andy wants to see how far he can push for access.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Is there an opportunity to get any pictures inside at all?
0:30:18 > 0:30:19My understanding is no.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24It's a blow for Andy and, as he waits, competition is growing.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Andy's agency have got him accreditation from the store
0:30:27 > 0:30:31to be in the photographer's pen but other paps are arriving
0:30:31 > 0:30:33and getting the same access
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- without having agreed attendance in advance.- What's he doing?
0:30:41 > 0:30:46No, he's not one of the accredited photographers. So, he's like..
0:30:47 > 0:30:50He needs to stay out of the pen area.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52So, I'm the one who's been accredited.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- Just give me one second. - All right.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Just making sure that I'm the one,
0:30:56 > 0:30:59the photographer who actually does the photos
0:30:59 > 0:31:01inside the press pen area.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04But, despite Andy's protests,
0:31:04 > 0:31:08it's decided the unaccredited photographer can stay.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11He's been let in, so you've just got to run with it.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Definitely going to have to up the game now, without a doubt.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17We're going to have to make sure we get the right images,
0:31:17 > 0:31:19get them sent out ever so quickly.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24It's now a straight fight to get the best pics and Andy's in his element.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27I get a good little rush from doing this job.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30It gives me a real buzz and that's why I really enjoy it
0:31:30 > 0:31:33and that's why I decided to do what I do now.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Oxford Street is just one big, buzzy street.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41A crowd is gathering to see what all the fuss is about.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Meanwhile, at the back of the store,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Michelle sneaks in through a side door.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Andy rushes for a look but he's too late.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52She's gone straight in down that way.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55He'll have to make do with the press pen,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58but at least he's at the front, which matters,
0:31:58 > 0:32:03because moments later, Michelle Keegan arrives and Andy gets to work.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- Hi, Michelle, how are you doing? Michelle, look this way.- Yeah.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11And, Michelle, looking this way, please. Lovely.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16- Brilliant, brilliant.- And, with his prime location, Andy can snap away.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19This way, please. Lovely, thank you.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23After one minute and 42 seconds of standing in front of a hoarding,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25it's all over.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27We got a nice, clean shot
0:32:27 > 0:32:30and she was looking straight down the line at me,
0:32:30 > 0:32:31so it was great. Very pleased.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35And now the race is on to get the photos out and sold.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38There's a big market for snaps like this
0:32:38 > 0:32:41with the red-top newspapers and celebrity magazines.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43But they want the pictures right away,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47so Andy finds a spot nearby to upload his photos.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52Ooh, look at that. That is a nice picture.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55I'm sending them off to an agency
0:32:55 > 0:32:58that I use a lot for all my celeb stuff.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02Andy has high hopes for his afternoon on Oxford Street.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04I can see that type of picture being used,
0:33:04 > 0:33:07probably on the front page of something.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10If that happens, Andy will make serious money
0:33:10 > 0:33:13and he certainly thinks his day has been well spent.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Really pleased. Got my pictures sent off.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Fingers crossed and wait for the morning.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22With that done, Andy heads off, ready for his next celebrity bash.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34At the busiest station on the London Underground network, Oxford Circus,
0:33:34 > 0:33:38staff are testing their customer service skills to the limit.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41There's a practice closure of the ticket office,
0:33:41 > 0:33:43so staff are having to show passengers
0:33:43 > 0:33:45how to use the ticket machines.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Now touch your card. No, no, you have to leave it there, otherwise...
0:33:49 > 0:33:54- Yeah, there you go.- They've had some teething problems.- My card broken.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- And the queues are building up.- You've used up your money.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00You need to put on £3.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03But as the going gets tough, the tough get going
0:34:03 > 0:34:07and staff seem to be getting to grips with the new setup.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11£15 in change and £5 on the machine, OK?
0:34:11 > 0:34:12He was very polite with me
0:34:12 > 0:34:16and he was very useful and he helped me so much.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- There you go.- Thank you very much. - Enjoy. Thank you.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- That's your receipt. Thank you very much.- Thank you very much.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26OK, looks like you've won the jackpot there.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29- Do you want to play again? Cheers. - Thank you very much.- Bye.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Thank you.- Happy.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35After some early nerves, staff are feeling more positive.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39It's like training a new-born child how to work.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42It's not going to be easy, but with time, you should get used to it.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Not everyone's convinced about the changes.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49There are still concerns from passengers and staff.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Why have these machines
0:34:51 > 0:34:53when these people are there telling you how to work it?
0:34:53 > 0:34:58They might as well be stuck behind the cash point...cash desk,
0:34:58 > 0:35:00where you're going to get sense out of them.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04And it doesn't smile at me or say thank you.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08I'm not the first. People have problems trying to get tickets
0:35:08 > 0:35:12and they need people in the ticket offices to assist and help.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15As far as most customers are concerned, very, very wrong.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18So far, I haven't had any major problems.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22The customers might get used to it, I'll probably get used to it.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Let's hope that nothing goes seriously wrong.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27But as the test period comes to a close,
0:35:27 > 0:35:29working without the ticket office
0:35:29 > 0:35:32hasn't been the disaster some feared it might be.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- You've done well, for what we have to deal with.- Sure.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37So, everybody, well done.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41And one man hasn't had quite the experience he expected.
0:35:41 > 0:35:42I'm looking forward to it.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48For tonight, Mustak reopens the ticket office.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50He'll be hoping things go as smoothly
0:35:50 > 0:35:55when it closes its curtains permanently in two weeks' time.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58They all know what to expect from the customer, what went well,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01what went wrong, so hopefully, they will learn from that and then,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04on the day, when we close the ticket offices,
0:36:04 > 0:36:08they'll pick out those things from today's experience.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13Meanwhile, down on the platform, and Gerry's just in time for his VIP.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Hello, sir. I'm a member of staff. Can I help you?
0:36:16 > 0:36:18He wants to get to the Victoria line.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20You want to get to the Victoria line, OK.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Northbound or southbound?
0:36:24 > 0:36:25Highbury and Islington, platform six.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Do you want somebody to meet you at the other end?
0:36:28 > 0:36:30OK. 2-4 for base.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Excuse me, folks. Come this way, please.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- HANDSET:- 'That's train number two. Over.'
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Imagine that without London Underground being there to help
0:36:40 > 0:36:43and provide this service, it would be much more difficult
0:36:43 > 0:36:47for a disabled person to find their way around in London.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50That's one of the things I enjoy about this job. I can help people.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Mind the doors, please!
0:36:57 > 0:37:01Up in the station office, Sinead's busy helping her injured passenger.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- No.- Will you drink that for me, please? Thank you.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09What's your name, sir?
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Did you hit your head? Cos I've seen you holding it.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- No, I'm fine. I missed a step. - You missed a step, yeah.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21It is quite busy in the station, especially with the rain and that.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26A glass of water and some comforting words later,
0:37:26 > 0:37:28they're happy to see him on his way.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32That's no problem. That's what we're here for.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Picking drinks up off the bottom of the stairs.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40She won't let me hold her hand.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43I'm going to go on the escalator in front of you.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Don't fall on top of me cos I'll move and let you fall.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Bakerloo southbound to Waterloo.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54With Sinead onside, the man has made it to the platform.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58Now all she's got to do is get him into a carriage.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Looks like your train's here, my dear.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04All right. I hope you get home safe.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Right, he's gone on his way.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16He'll probably wake up with a banging head in the morning
0:38:16 > 0:38:18and his wife probably won't be too happy with him
0:38:18 > 0:38:21and he probably won't remember speaking to me, but there you go.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23What can you do? Welcome to life on the underground.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Everybody loves a bargain,
0:38:36 > 0:38:40which is why shops across Britain use sales to lure in shoppers.
0:38:40 > 0:38:45For Oxford Street, the promise of price reductions and stock clearances
0:38:45 > 0:38:49is a huge driver of footfall at various times of the year.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53But the most important ones of all are the post-Christmas sales.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56It's when the shops slash prices by up to 70%
0:38:56 > 0:38:59to get rid of a large amount of stock.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01But for those wanting the best deals,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04it's not enough to just stroll into the stores.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07The serious bargain hunters are up in the middle of the night
0:39:07 > 0:39:10and ready for hours of queuing.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Which is exactly what Mohammed's done,
0:39:12 > 0:39:17waiting at the front of the queue for the Boxing Day sale at Next to begin.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19I came at two o'clock, I'm still waiting.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23You feel like you're collecting everything for free, but you pay,
0:39:23 > 0:39:25but it's very exciting when you get in,
0:39:25 > 0:39:28especially when you are the first or the second person to get in.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Raza, visiting from Pakistan,
0:39:31 > 0:39:35has mapped out what he wants to buy with military precision.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38I have everything planned in mind - how much I'm going to spend,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40where I'm going to spend, what I'm going to buy.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Bags are handed out to those queuing.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47To keep things running smoothly, Next is operating a two-bag system.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50This bag is for the clothing
0:39:50 > 0:39:54and the red bag is for accessories and for shoes.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58So, I'm planning to buy most of coats and jackets
0:39:58 > 0:40:05- and also some accessories.- And at 6am on the dot, the Next sale begins.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Don't run, please. Walk slowly, thank you.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13But while the bargain hunters get stuck in,
0:40:13 > 0:40:17the big guns are keeping their powder dry for a few hours.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22The major department stores don't open their sales till 9am.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24In the first hours of its sale,
0:40:24 > 0:40:28Selfridges expects to take a staggering £2 million.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Queues have been building up all morning.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35We've been here since 7.30 cos my daughter, who's a student,
0:40:35 > 0:40:39really wants a designer handbag and I didn't want to pay full price,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42so I said, "I'll get up on Boxing Day and I'll bring you down."
0:40:42 > 0:40:45While they wait for the doors to open,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47at Next, the early birds are done.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50I got 370 because all of them for half-price.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55I'm so excited to go home now with my stuff.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58But things haven't worked out for everyone.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00A bit disappointment.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04We were expecting some fantastic items to be on the sale
0:41:04 > 0:41:10but they moved all of those premium items. Just spending £70.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15At John Lewis, they don't call it a sale. It's a clearance.
0:41:15 > 0:41:20It's Steve Cooper's job to open the doors today.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22As you can see, there's quite a few people outside,
0:41:22 > 0:41:24ready to come in and, of course, we can't let anybody in
0:41:24 > 0:41:27till we open the doors, which is now about five minutes away.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32Outside, people have a good idea what they want.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Mainly clothing, also handbags
0:41:35 > 0:41:37and just trying to see if I can get a good bargain.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42Arunava is a DJ and has a special little something in mind
0:41:42 > 0:41:45for his big New Year gig at the Harrow Leisure centre.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49I do a lot of anchoring and emceeing,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51so I have a velvet suit in mind,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54which is a very classy John Lewis one.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57I have that in mind, so I will definitely buy it.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00When you think of class, John Lewis is the only option.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04And at 9am, the big boys enter the game.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07Good morning, folks. Hey, welcome.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08CHEERING
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Some take advantage of a surprise second entrance.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Good start. The escalator's already heaving now,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20so somebody will be up on the 5th floor in about two seconds
0:42:20 > 0:42:22and they can start buying their TVs.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26The post-Christmas sales are a big deal for the retailers.
0:42:26 > 0:42:31An estimated £50 million will be spent on Oxford Street
0:42:31 > 0:42:34and the surrounding area on Boxing Day alone.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38I'm a shopaholic myself, crazy, as you can see. I have a lot of stuff.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41There you go - that's my skirt.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44And one man, in particular, has found his heart's desire.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46We found the velvet suit.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49It was like Usain Bolt winning the 100 metres.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53This will be my MC-style statement for the New Year's Eve party
0:42:53 > 0:42:56at the Harrow Leisure Centre on 31st December.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00The party starts at 7.30pm and we are rocking till 2.30am.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04Which means, Arunava, at least, will be up in time
0:43:04 > 0:43:06for the start of the New Year sales as well.