Cases of distraction theft and or pickpocketing are rising in the streets of Harare with thieves changing their strategies now and then.
A Pindula News reporter nearly lost a mobile phone to these thieves on the 3rd of November 2022 around 1900 hours while at the intersection of Cameroon st and Jason Moyo Avenue. He narrates:
I was at the Zebra crossing at the intersection of Jason Moyo and Cameroon around 7 pm. There was a stampede as we raced to cross the road before the cars started moving.
Somebody stepped on my foot but I didn’t give a damn since there was a commotion. During that commotion, some guy grabbed my arm and shouted, “famba mushe” [walk properly].
While he was talking, still grabbing and shaking my arm, I felt a hand being inserted into my right pocket. I escaped the hold and grabbed the guy who was trying to steal.
Vendors nearby started to gather around saying he should be assaulted.
I let him loose and left the scene.
A colleague said he lost his cash in similar circumstances. He narrated:
Someone did exactly that to me and I didn’t have a clue what was happening. I only realised the guy had stolen my money later on. It happened corner of Speke Avenue and Cameroon Street.
The next time another guy attempted it, I was aware. He tried to get my phone and I grabbed his hand and he gave it back to me.
Crowded places are theft hotspots. You can minimise chances of being robbed by implementing the following tips:
1). Carry phones in an inside pocket, with your jacket zipped, when you’re in a crowded place.
2). Keep the headphones tucked away, out of sight, and use them sparingly.
3). Avoid crowding in the area of a bus, cab, or revolving doors when entering and exiting. Crowded areas are the desired target for thieves due to the congestion.
4). Use handbags or purses that have a zipper or locking flap. Keep the zipper or locking flap closed when not using your handbag and carry it close to your body.
5). Carry wallets inside your coat pocket or front pants pocket. Never carry your wallet in your rear pants pocket without a chain or button pocket to secure it.
6). Beware of loud arguments and commotions in crowded areas. Thieves may stage these incidents to distract you while they pick your pocket or steal from you.
7). If you are unnecessarily bumped or crowded, be aware that a pickpocket might be responsible and check your valuables.
8). If you are pickpocketed, alert everyone you can in the immediate area and call the police.
9). Be on guard if a stranger tries to point something out to you or distract you in any way.
10). Be careful while banking at an ATM. Pickpockets will try to distract you from what you’re doing so you’ll lower your guard.
Pickpockets and distraction thefts are much more popular not only in Harare but in all large cities. Always be on your guard and avoid becoming a victim.