Venice – A paradoxical incident is rocking the lagoon city: suspected pickpockets have reported several residents who, armed with cell phones and a sense of civic duty, locate them, film them, and alert tourists by shouting their presence. The charges? Crimes such as stalking, for having followed or pilloried them in public.
The news, reported by local newspapers, was confirmed by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and the commander of the local police, Marco Agostini.
The position of the local police
"Unfortunately, we can't do anything," Agostini admitted, "because there are no national laws to apprehend those who steal or pickpocket. I've always said that citizens shouldn't replace law enforcement, and this is the result."
The commander reiterated the risk of escalation: without adequate legal instruments, the line separating legitimate reporting from harassment can become blurred and end up backfiring on those seeking to defend the community.
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“Lady Pickpocket”: “It's pure madness”
Monica Poli, known as "Lady Pickpocket," famous for her famous English phrase shouted in the street to warn tourists, "Beware, pickpockets!", reacted harshly. "If that were true," she commented, "it would have reached the point of pure madness. We, who report thieves, and who have prevented muggings on so many occasions, become the culprits. It's paradoxical."
The mayor's proposal
Mayor Brugnaro relaunched his historic fight for swifter and more effective justice for predatory crimes: "For years I've been calling for the introduction of a lawyer who, like a justice of the peace, can sentence those who commit these crimes to up to 12 days in prison. The problem is that there's no national law, and now we've reached the point where pickpockets are reporting citizens. Urgent action is needed."
An unresolved issue
The case brings to light the unsolved problem of pickpockets In Venice, particularly in the most touristy areas, from Piazzale Roma to Rialto, and all the way to San Marco. The reports of citizen "watchdogs"—often organized in spontaneous groups—have repeatedly helped thwart thefts, but at the same time raise questions about the boundary between active citizenship and self-imposed justice.
Meanwhile, amid controversy and legal paradoxes, tourists continue to be a prime target for thieves.
Comments (1)
This situation in Venice is really complicated; pickpockets reporting citizens is a bit strange. I don't know how this problem can be solved, but we need a clearer law for everyone. People want to feel safe.