Comments on: Russian Rip-off: pickpockets and thugs, part 5 of 5

By: Thiefhunters in Paradise » Street crime in St. Petersburg, Russia » Thiefhunters in Paradise

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:13:18 +0000

[...] The problem was, they were a team of only two. They lacked the vital third member, the blocker. A blocker would have stopped short in front of the mark, forcing him to stand still for a moment—just long enough for the pickpocket to do his thing. A proper pickpocket crew of at least three individuals choreographs its moves like a Russian ballet. [...]

By: Pierre

Pierre — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:59:41 +0000

We had heard from guidebooks (lonely planet) and free St. P guides (St. P in your pocket) that this was common, but the emphasis was always on the entrances to metro stations, especially the Nevsky Prospekt entrance. Because we were just passing a bus booth on the street, we weren’t on alert. My wife was told also by her language school to be careful for pickpockets (beforehand). They mentioned also (after the fact) that their students are frequent victims of the gangs, often when simply buying an icecream. They’ll be surrounded, get their passport and valuables taken and there’s nothing they can do.

People should know that any crowded place where your movement is restricted is a risk, but especially Nevsky when there are large crowds, and lots of public transport for thieves to disappear onto. And to keep valuables out of others’ view or to hold onto them tightly when in doubt.

By: Bambi

Bambi — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:30:17 +0000

Sorry about your loss, Pierre, and thanks for telling us about it. You’re right, it’s typical, common, and very sad. While I understand why the authorities can’t/won’t do anything about the rampant pickpocketing,I do not understand why the tourist bureaus, group leaders, and especially cruise ships do not give out serious warnings about the dangers. Visitors could sharply cut their losses if they were advised and then took seriously the advice to carry their stuff with extreme care. I’d love to hear what, in particular, were you told about street crime before your visit, and by whom?

By: Pierre

Pierre — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:41:09 +0000

I hope that your efforts eventually pay off! I got my rather expensive camera stolen in front of Kazan cathedral on the 26th of Sept. at 5:00PM right in front of the bus stop. 3 guys in black jackets (at least 2 in front, 1 to my left) blocked me (my right was blocked by the bus stop booth, I think), I felt my camera bag jostle, reached back and looked behind, but it was already gone (time lapse, literally, about 3 seconds). All my senses were snapped to high alert, but I had nowhere to direct my rage…

Then an “innocent bystander” tells me in english that the thief ran the other way down the street. The man to my left feigned ignorance and I couldn’t see the camera anywhere, so not having anyone to confront and not wanting to put myself in a more dangerous situation (already surrounded by thugs, and no room to move), I walked away in the direction indicated, instinctively knowing that it was a likely misdirection. I confronted the “innocent bystander” twice as he walked calmly away, the others having already dispersed, but he stuck to his story.

I can think of 2 scenarios: 1- The thief to my left still had the camera on him, and thus the requirement for leading me on a wild goose chase; or 2- There was a 5th man to whom the camera was passed and he either walked off into the crowd or got on one of the waiting buses, the diversion then let the others fade away easily.

It’s sad that this is such a common occurence and that the authorities don’t put effort into ending it (or worse, actively aid the criminals). I just want my photos back at this point…

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:05:33 +0000

Good to know you’re safe and sound *outside* Russia!