Bought a House and Land with Stolen Money?… Venice's 'Public Enemy' Pickpocket

Banner Displaying Photos of 90 Repeat Offenders Hung
Civil Society Actively Joins Pickpocket Eradication Operation

As pickpocketing incidents, which often occur to tourists traveling in Europe, are becoming increasingly severe, the Italian tourist city of Venice is launching a war against pickpockets ahead of the summer tourist peak season. On the 28th (local time), the local daily newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the Venice police have arrested six people so far this year on suspicion of pickpocket theft and issued a total of 14 deportation orders against foreign female pickpockets who had been previously arrested. In addition, a placard displaying photos of 90 habitual offenders in Venice was put up.

The Italian tourist city of Venice is gearing up to battle pickpockets ahead of the summer tourist peak season. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by Pixabay]

The operation to eradicate pickpockets is also seeing active participation from civic groups. The civic group "People on Alert" held a prevention campaign on the 25th at Venice Santa Lucia Station, carrying placards with photos of 90 habitual pickpockets. In response to some criticisms that exposing the faces of habitual pickpockets might be an invasion of privacy, Monica Poli, a former city council member and member of the group, countered, "Theft is also an invasion of privacy."

Franco Dei Rossi, one of the founders of this group, emphasized, "We have long demanded the introduction of a voice message service to warn about pickpocket risks on public transportation and for the authorities to do more."

Using Money from Pickpocketing and Theft to Purchase Land and Houses

Recently in Venice, it was revealed that a young woman had accumulated property by committing pickpocketing and theft since 2017, purchasing land and houses, which shocked the local community. This woman was found to use a method of approaching strangers by pretending to know them, hugging them, and then stealing necklaces, watches, wallets, and other items.
[Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News]

Recently in Venice, it was revealed that a young woman had accumulated wealth through pickpocketing and theft since 2017 to purchase land and houses, shocking the local community. This woman was found to use a method of approaching strangers by pretending to know them, hugging them, and then stealing necklaces, watches, wallets, and other items. The confirmed number of crimes reached 17. The woman's criminal activities were uncovered through an investigation by authorities who found it suspicious that she purchased expensive land and houses despite having no income.

The Venice court last week sentenced this woman to 1 year and 6 months of probation and issued a seizure order of 200,000 euros (approximately 300 million KRW). According to the court's order, the woman must stay at home for a certain period and find stable employment, Corriere della Sera reported. Italy is notorious for having many pickpockets targeting tourists.

Although there are no official statistics, an analysis by the UK travel insurance company Quarterzone of pickpocket cases per 1 million country reviews showed Italy ranking first with 463 cases. France came in second with 283 cases, and the Netherlands took third place with 143 cases, an unfortunate distinction.

Meanwhile, to prevent pickpocketing in Europe, bags must always be worn in front. Also, wallets, passports, phones, and other belongings should not be placed on the table.
[Photo by Pixabay]

Meanwhile, to prevent pickpocketing in Europe, bags should always be worn in front. Also, wallets, passports, mobile phones, and other belongings should not be placed on tables. Additionally, it is advisable to carry only minimal valuables and avoid wearing overly expensive bags, watches, or accessories at travel destinations. Wearing or carrying luxury items increases the likelihood of becoming a target for pickpockets. Furthermore, if you frequently take out your phone or wallet, connecting an anti-theft strap between your bag or wrist can help prevent pickpocketing.