Peak pandemic pickpocketing: Sneezing on victims

A menacing new surge in street crime alerts Sharjah

In a rather shocking incident, Sharjah Police has warned the public to be wary of strangers sneezing and coughing on them in an attempt to pick their pockets, reported Gulf News.

With an unexpected surge in unemployment caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the media is once again replete with stories about increasing crime rates. Varying from assault to kidnapping, authorities often advise members of the public to be vigilant against molesters, kidnappers and thieves. However, the age-old social evil of pickpocketing is often left out of these discussions, written off as a menial crime not worth reporting. And more often than not, it is the poor vulnerable class using public transport that falls prey to this crime.

Based on crimes reported to the Sharjah Police during recent times, the police authority has launched a campaign to raise awareness to help civilians know what tricks are up pickpocketers' sleeves. Sharjah's pickpocketers are presented as local con artists in this new campaign launched by the local police.

While this creative pickpocketing scheme is taking place miles away, the tips given by the authorities can be valuable for the citizens of Pakistan as well:

1. Do not let anyone spit or sneeze on your clothes. In case that is unavoidable, walk away.

2. If someone tells you your car has a mechanical problem, do not stop and ask for their help. Chances are this person is a trickster who is waiting for you to get distracted before entering your car and robbing you of valuables.

3. Do not leave your bags or valuables on the car seat, in plain sight. Your mobile phones and bags should not be directly visible in your vehicle. "Placing cash or bags near the driver makes them vulnerable to theft,” said Sharjah Police.

4. Beware of imposters. Sharjah Police has also warned residents to not fall prey to anyone pretending to be an undercover police officer.

Earlier this week, Sindh Police adorned roller skates to curb street crime in Karachi. The city's police announced to launch a skater police force, initially comprising 10 female and 10 make personnel on skates Videos were circulated by the police department depicting police personnel gliding on skates, taking aim at pretended targets. Moreover, the local police have stated that the personnel will arrive on skaters under the Special Security Unit, and will catch criminals who evade arrest benefitting from traffic jams, roadblocks, and the like. The skaters have already undergone a month-long training equipping them with skills to cross hurdles and handle arms while on skates. Further training is underway.