Video: 29 Cases of Pickpocketing Revealed in January

Pickpocketing. A frequently encountered crime in many countries. In Armenia, it primarily manifests at stops, in public transport, markets, fairs, and generally in crowded areas.

The sixth department of the criminal investigation division of the police in Yerevan is engaged in an uncompromising fight against pickpocketing. The registered and revealed cases have mainly occurred in public transport and at stops. Several individuals who have been apprehended are involved in multiple incidents.

Incidentally, there were legislative changes at the end of 2019 regarding this issue. Article 177, part 1, item 1 states that the theft of items from a person, including those taken from their clothing, such as from pockets, bags, or other items the person is carrying, is punishable by a fine ranging from two hundred to five hundred times the minimum wage, or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.

The legislative change and police actions play a significant role in combating this type of crime, but citizens' vigilance is equally important.

Dear citizens, please be attentive to your belongings in public transport and keep them in your line of sight. There have been many cases where the pickpocket, after stealing a wallet, finds not only cash but also a bank card with its PIN. If citizens fail to block their cards in time, the criminals cash in the funds. Never keep your bank card and PIN together.

Experience has also shown that pickpockets operate both alone and in groups. Typically, one part of the group distracts passengers in public transport, while the other part steals items. There have been cases where they have created artificial arguments and fights to divert attention or even drop items on the ground.

Whatever the case may be, keep your belongings close and stay vigilant in crowded places. Stay alert and you will avoid becoming a victim of pickpocketing.