In this instance, the guy actually got on the bus with me, presumably as it took him that long to rummage in my bag and locate my purse. But he got off again pronto, after asking the driver whether it was going to a destination it clearly wasn't. Having had various conversations with the police today I get the impression this is a fairly common tactic and pretty easy pickings as the thieves have the perfect cover amidst all the pushing and shoving that typically occurs when the bus arrives.. Fingers crossed there will be CCTV from the bus.