7 mall pickpockets arrested

Seven more suspected thieves, including two women, were recently rounded up by the Manila police in a shopping mall.

Chief Inspector Benjamin Reyes, chief of the Western Police District (WPD)’s Theft and Robbery Section, said the seven suspects, who have previous records of theft , were picked up while loitering inside the big shopping malls in the city.

"These persons are notorious pickpockets with criminal records. Though they were not caught in the act of committing offenses, they are likely to commit one if there is a chance, especially in crowded malls," Reyes said.

WPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong ordered the neutralization of pickpocket gangs following numerous complaints of thefts among tourists in shopping malls.

Last week, Reyes’ men picked up the leader of the gang of pickpockets victimizing tourists. Andrea Dioquino, 45, was arrested in her lair at Barcelona Subdivision in Cavite after she was identified by one of her Japanese victims in a police rogues gallery.

Reyes said Dioquino’s "Laglag Barya" gang had victimized a number of tourists, mostly Japanese. One of the group’s members would bump or drop a coin in front of an intended victim and when the prey bends down to pick up the item or coin, another would come from behind and pick the victim’s pocket. — Nestor Etolle