Footage of people pickpocketing pedestrians in downtown Toronto is ringing alarm bells.
Video of two people swiping a phone from an unsuspecting victim was shared by a Toronto woman on Instagram on March 29.
In the clip, a woman appears to verbally alert the thieves that she was privy to their actions, while filming from a vehicle.
“I saw many attempts, but this was the only one I caught on camera. Let’s make them famous,” she wrote in the caption.
Upon hearing the woman the thieves can be seen swiftly abandoning a theft.
People were quick to sound off in the comments, with many recalling their own experiences with pickpockets and thieves.
“Being pick pocketed is one of the most violating experiences and I wish it on no one,” one person commented.
‘Idk why people have gotten so bold with stealing. Someone stole my purse from a bar with an air tag in it and returned it after we showed up to the house and told them we know they have it,” another user said.
“This is exactly how my phone was stolen a few months ago. At the exact same time, the exact same place,” someone else wrote.
Toronto police told Now Toronto that people who get pickpocketed should absolutely report it, and that witnesses are advised to come forward.
“A pickpocket is still a crime, and any crime should be reported to the police,” a police spokesperson said in an email statement on Friday.
“If anyone witnesses someone involved in a pickpocket, advise the victim, so they can contact police. The witness can also provide details to police,” they continued.
Police advise keeping belongings in front pockets that close to protect your items.
