As the city gears up for the bustling week of Eurosonic Noorderslag, authorities are intensifying their advisory to remain vigilant due to increased activity of pickpockets in Groningen’s downtown area.
“Stay vigilant. Keep your phone, money, and cards with you and avoid placing your phone in your back pocket,” warns the municipality. In an effort to alert the public, two mobile message boards have been stationed across the city center, cautioning against pickpocketing activities.
The upcoming Eurosonic festival tends to draw large crowds, offering a perfect environment for pickpockets to operate. The police and municipality advise festivalgoers and residents alike to be particularly cautious during this time to safeguard their belongings.
Particularly active during nightlife and bustling crowds, the perpetrators exploit the relaxed atmosphere to prey on unsuspecting individuals.
How the gangs operate
Authorities have highlighted three distinct modus operandi, indicating organized gang involvement:
- Distraction tactics: Individuals are approached on the streets by one or more persons, often under the guise of seeking something trivial, leading to distraction and theft of belongings, such as wallets or phones.
- Confinement maneuver: Victims are encircled by a group and then jostled or restrained, providing the perfect opportunity for pickpocketing.
- Café raids: Thieves target items within easy reach in cafes, swiftly snatching belongings left unattended.
In light of the growing concern, authorities are advising residents and visitors to take simple yet effective precautions against theft. “Avoid placing loose items in your back or inner pockets. Stay vigilant, especially in unexpected situations,” urge the police.
Unified action plan
To combat this rising issue, the municipality, along with Koninklijke Horeca Nederland, is launching the joint campaign dubbed “Mind Your Belongings.” Concurrently, the police are bolstering their Public Order Team with additional personnel to specifically combat pickpocketing.
The police have reported several arrests in recent weeks related to suspected pickpocketing incidents. Investigations are ongoing against some of the detained individuals.
