A video of a group of pickpockets stealing possessions of unsuspecting victims in the Eastern Cape has emerged online.
In the video posted by Facebook crime watch group Intelligence Bureau SA, three different clips of the same group of men who appear to be at a drinking spot can be seen making conversation with their unsuspecting victims and then pick-pocketing them before sneakily passing over the items to each other.
“Pickpockets at work! On the street they called "two fingers" their scam involves considerable dexterity and a lot of misdirection. These incidents took place in the Eastern Cape. There are 3 videos in this clip!,” the page captioned the video.
The video which received 1,8 k shares, 863 reactions and 462 comments saw many Facebook users sharing their experiences of being pickpocketed.
“Survived the same yesterday, guy bumps onto me, he calls me back to offer his apology then pretends to kick my balls and because I've been a victim before I actually played along and immediately put my hands in my pocket. Worst part about this is that you feel so dump because you just see a guy making a conversation. It's actually better to be held at gun point,” one user commented.
“They do this in joburg cbd,” another user commented.
According to Business Tech, pickpocketing placed as number six on the list of South Africa’s most common crimes in 2017.
Here are 3 tips from Reader’s digest on how to avoid being pickpocketed.
1. Beware of distraction themes – Be vigilant of elaborate stunts such as staged arguments or people asking for directions to distract you.
2. Stay safe while dining – avoid leaving your belongings on the table at restaurants.
3. Zip it – Always keep your bags and purses zipped when in crowded environments.
Watch the video below.
