Australian Police: Bulgarian Pickpockets Very Skillful

CCTV security video shows a group of Bulgarian nationals moving stealthily through a clothing store, robbing unsuspecting customers of their wallets. Photo by www.news.com.au

Australian police are investigating a suspected gang of Eastern European pickpockets, who attracted attention after a 30% spike in stealing offences in the Sydney and Parramatta areas, local reports said.

CCTV security video shows a group of Bulgarian nationals moving stealthily through a clothing store, robbing unsuspecting customers of their wallets, the Australian Daily Telegraph reported.

The two women, aged 26 and 34 will appear in Central Local Court on Friday charged with larceny following their arrest in a George St dress shop.

The article cites detectives, who are convinced other offenders continue to circulate in crowded shoppping precincts.

"They are very skillful - judging from the lack of reaction from the victims on the videos," City of Sydney Crime Manager Inspector John Houlahan said.

"They are all of Eastern European descent and it would appear that all those under investigation are associated.''

The arrested women were in Australia on three month travel visas.

Insp Houlahan said the gang was well drilled, communicating silently with other members as they move-in.

"In some cases one or two will stand lookout near the front doors of the often crowded store while another two or three will roam the shop floor."

Police said there was no way of accurately measuring exactly how many shoppers have fallen victim to the gang simply because they don't even know they've actually been robbed.

 

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