Les piégeurs

I watched it when it was on TV the first time and thought it was OK,but nothing to write home about.....But after picking up the pilot episode on video in a second hand shop it left me dying to watch all 3 series of this wonderful programme.I scoured second hand video shops and boot fairs with no joy,then i started searching Ebay,and i was lucky to get series 1,2 & 3,ok,it cost me £100 to buy all of them,but money well spent to be able to see the whole lot.The characters in it all have decent roles and it not only is about bank raids,robberies and general policing,but gave an insight into the characters lives and this made it just that little bit more interesting.I would rate this as good as the Sweeney and other programmes of that type.I just hope that one day it is released on DVD,and then i am sure it would become more well known.If you get the chance to watch it,then do,you will not be disappointed.Cheers Nick.

I was lucky enough to see the whole first and second series i don't know if they are out on VHS or DVD as i watched them when they were on TV. After the first episode i was hooked, at first i though it would be a bit like the Bill or any other police drama but it was so much better. The shear scale of the production was amazing for a TV drama of the 90s, the locations, camera work, stunts, plots and acting where are on par with a Hollywood movie. It had everything helicopters, guns, fast car chases, bombs, ruthless villains and some of the most streetwise police i have ever seen on TV it might seem a little dated now as i think it was from 1995 but its still worth a look.

I saw this series in 1998 on Indian satellite TV. Got completely hooked on it, taped a few episodes as well. It's strange that "Thieftakers" is rarely mentioned as one of the many great series produced for British television. Tight plots, richly etched characters, "Thieftakers" is set in a very believable milieu. Each episode has a very cinematic quality, nothing TV about it. The inter-actions between the characters are handled with great subtlety. The chemistry between Grant Masters and Amanda Pays is electric! Grant Masters had the potential to be a very cool Steve McQueenesque leading man in the movies. It's a pity his career has been limited to television. His enigmatic, intense portrayal of team boss Glenn Matteo is truly memorable.

Am I watching a different series to everyone else?

I just watched the 1st episode, and didn't know whether to laugh or cry! Who writes this drivel, who casts? I decided to watch the 2nd episode, just to see if it improves....it doesn't!

I just cant take some of Reece Dinsdales lines seriously. He is cast as some kind of "hard" copper ala Regan of the classic Sweeney, but he comes across as a kitty Kat. Can anyone. Tell me If It Gets Better? Then there's the dress code of some of these "coppers". One guy looks like he would be more at home in the centre of the ring at Billy Smarts, with a big red nose.....he already has the striped trousers! Seriously folks, if anyone can tell me this gets better, I will give the 3rd episode a go.

This brilliant police series is still often repeated on UK Drama. Although it was made in 1996 it doesn't yet look dated. Each episode concentrates on one or two of the main characters and their private lives, which usually involve the crimes they are working on at the time.

The flying squad deals with armed robbery and murder, so there are plenty of exciting car chases and shoot outs.However, the series also finds time for relationships and romance.

So many well-known actors made guest appearances in this series, including Nick Moran, Ray Winstone and Dougie Henshall.

If you get the chance to see it, I think you'll agree that it was a pity there were only 3 series made.