The monkeys of Vrindavan in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have learned to steal people's possessions which they only return in exchange for food.

These cheeky macaques gather close to the town's markets to snatch cameras, cash and, as seen in this clip, glasses.

The monkeys then wait for the furious owner to offer up a tasty ransom before returning the stolen goods.

Small boxes of juice are the primates favourite bribe but, as this clip shows, the monkeys don't always stick to their side of the deal.

Although the behaviour of these monkeys seems amusing, it has become a serious problem for the town's shoppers and has led to hundreds of people being bitten in recent years.

Monkey mafia living in Vrindavan have learned to steal valuables from tourists which they only give back in return for food. These sly macaques grab glasses, cameras and even cash which they run off with until they've got what they want. The local gang of marauding macaques who expertly snatch loose items from the tourists and then barter them back for food. Theft by monkeys is a daily occurrence in Vrindavan’s main markets. The monkeys steal eyeglasses, shoes, phones and other items of worth, hoping to get food in exchange. “Frooti” tetra packs are a particularly popular bribe. Unfortunately, the monkey problem has become serious of late, with about a dozen deaths and hundreds of injuries over the last few years being attributed to the monkeys. It remains to be seen whether the administration will be able to resolve the situation more effectively.