The Civil Guard reported on Thursday that 80 individuals have been arrested as part of a pickpocketing network operating in Tenerife, during a police operation involving agents from various units and specialties.
The operation, named Danube, began in November 2024 with the start of the high tourism season in the Canary Islands. It was carried out based on experiences from previous years regarding the significant increase in pickpocketing in tourist areas with large crowds.
The dismantled network was organised so that the pickpockets acted in coordinated groups, with distinct roles for those who stole items, those who distracted victims, and those tasked with relocating stolen belongings to safe places.
Many of those arrested had dozens of previous convictions for minor thefts, which allowed them to avoid prison sentences as these were classified as minor offences, explained the Civil Guard.
During this intervention, mobile phones, wallets with documentation, high-end watches, and cash were recovered, as well as counterfeit documents. There was also an investigation into the use of multiple identities by some of the detainees in an attempt to evade detection.
The Civil Guard recommends ensuring that vehicles are securely locked, including doors and windows, and advises against leaving any belongings or items visible inside the vehicle.
It also suggests informing the police of any individuals who may raise suspicions, who wander aimlessly between parked cars, observing the interiors, and advises that if one is a victim of theft, they should not touch or move anything that may have been handled by the thieves.
Furthermore, they should notify the police or Civil Guard and file a corresponding report.
