In recent days in Montpellier, a resurgence of thefts by pickpockets, particularly by young women, has been reported on trams and around stations. This situation worries local authorities and calls on residents and visitors to be extra vigilant. In this article, we will explore the details of these incidents, understand the modus operandi of the thieves, and discover the measures put in place to counter this phenomenon.A growing threat on Montpellier trams
As the days get longer and tourists flock to Montpellier, the city is facing a significant increase in thefts on trams.
Pickpockets take advantage of the crowds to rob passengers, mainly targeting valuables such as wallets and bank cards. This past Saturday, two female passengers were victims of this phenomenon. The profile of the thieves
Recent incidents reveal the involvement of young women in these crimes. With ages ranging from 12 to 14, some of these young women are of Bosnian nationality and are remarkably agile and discreet. This particularity makes things complicated for the authorities, who must deal with underage delinquents and therefore specific legal frameworks.
The most affected places
The tram stations and their platforms, particularly those around the Saint-Roch station, stand out as hot spots. Pickpockets often target crowded places, such as crowded trains and queues at ticket machines.
Frequent but not very dissuasive arrests
The national police arrested four 12-year-old Bosnian girls in just four days, which clearly illustrates the scale of the situation in Montpellier. However, despite these arrests, the number of attempted thefts remains high, posing a major challenge to local authorities.
Prevention and awareness measures
Faced with this wave of pickpockets, the Montpellier authorities are not remaining inactive. TaM President Abdi El Kandoussi detailed the measures put in place to keep travelers safe. Vigilance campaigns are currently underway, encouraging public transport users to be more attentive to their personal belongings.
Tips for protection
Passengers are strongly advised to keep their bags and personal belongings close to them at all times, to be vigilant when using bank cards and to remain alert to any suspicious behavior around them. These simple actions can reduce the risk of falling prey to pickpockets.