Sometime this year, I
caught on National Geography channel a video on pick pocketing in Naples,
Italy. American Bob Arno, a pickpocket
himself immersed himself in the pickpocket capital of the world to witness the
techniques of professional pickpockets. Pros operate as a group (in twos or threes) and are well coordinated. They use diversionary and distracting techniques. Person assigned to pick the bag or picket is skillful.
From a video I
suddenly was a witness to a band of pickpockets operating. Live from Rizal Avenue while seated on a bench
facing the sidewalk, I saw how they victimized the unaware Filipino. Like the band in Naples, they operate as a
group. They prey on their potential
victim from a vantage point. Upon
spotting an easy and a loaded target, action begins.
Detailed is my account.
There is a band of
pickpockets operating at the strip between Soler and Katubusan streets (before
Gonzalo Puyat st.) along Rizal Avenue. This is between National Bookstore and Save
More Supermarket. Numbering about 20,
they come in all ages, sexes and forms. The men are typical of the profile you spot in
Recto dressed in shirts and shorts. A number of women are toothless, some fully made up. Youngest must be about in early twenties and the eldest in their
forties. From about 11AM to 1PM in broad
daylight, I witnessed them pick the backpacks of more than 20 passerbys. Seated at the steps just below Padi’s Point
spotting from National Bookstore at the North to Save More Supermarket at the
South, they pry on their prospects and quickly mount their operations. They target only those with backpacks slung at
their back with protruding zippers and with handbags loosely hanging. It did not matter if one was walking solo,
with someone or a group, a student, a middle aged foreigner, a shopper or an
elderly. The more inattentive with a bag
at the back, the better a prospect they are. Once candidates are spotted, action begins. Sometimes, only 1 would go at times 2 and even
3 depending on what they see. It is team
work seamlessly done. Some come from the
stairs; others suddenly show up from the side street or another corner. Done quickly, it starts with spotting their
victim, walking with him or her, groping the bag with their hands for the
object, opening the zipper, picking the item and pocketing it or relaying it to
the next pickpocket walking with them. In seconds, it is done.
Most of the time, they
are successful. But there were a handful
(about 3) who noticed just at the nick of time looked behind. Fortunately, both parties casually walked
away. Those who were aware they were
being robbed did not confront the pickpocket.
Be conscious and
vigilant. Some tips:
- Men should keep their wallet in tightest pocket. Better if placed in a corded pouch and
tucked under the pants. Carry your
bags in front and tightly hold on to them. Bags slung from the back are easy targets
as you will not notice a groping hand especially if you are in motion.
- Do not expose phones, wallets, expensive jewelry.
- Be suspicious of persons who tail you. Divert immediately.
- When you catch them stealing, it is best not to
confront. Just walk away. A band operating has backers and
protection.
- Walk briskly.
Young lovers walking
hand in hand are easy preys as they are unmindful of their surroundings while
leisurely strolling.
Ingat lang palagi.
