Six female pickpockets, already known to the authorities, were arrested within 24 hours by a specialized PSP team in Lisbon. These arrests followed a series of thefts targeting tourists in the city's historic areas.
The Operation
The suspects, aged between 27 and 36, are part of a Romanian group that has been under surveillance since 2018. They are known to travel to Portugal specifically to commit thefts, particularly targeting tourists.
- First Arrest: Four women were detained on Monday after stealing a wallet from a North American tourist in the Baixa Pombalina area. The wallet, a Louis Vuitton, contained €500, $458, credit cards, and personal documents, all of which were recovered.
- Second Arrest: Two more women from the same group were caught on Tuesday in Belém, attempting to steal a bag from another tourist. The bag contained a green wallet valued at €60, €210 in cash, and a smartphone worth €1,200.
Modus Operandi
The group operated in a coordinated manner, selecting victims who were tourists leisurely walking around Lisbon. They would then distract or surround the victim to steal their belongings.
Legal Proceedings
The suspects have been heard in a first judicial interrogation and are awaiting trial. A police source mentioned that such groups often change countries after repeated arrests, only to return later.
This crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts by Lisbon's police to protect tourists and maintain safety in the city's popular areas.
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