Police Nab Pickpocket Gang

The Age

Thursday January 8, 2009

REKO RENNIE

COMMUTERS have fallen victim to a slick international ring of female pickpockets operating on Melbourne's trams, police say.

Three Bulgarians in Australia on tourist visas have been charged over a spate of thefts on trams - with many victims unaware of the crimes.

Police believe the women, aged 16, 27 and 32, were responsible for about 70 purse and wallet thefts on trams last month.

Transit safety division acting Senior Sergeant Matt Volk said yesterday Operation Distribute involved transit police and Yarra Trams authorised officers, some undercover.

"We had witnessed a spike in reports of theft from tram travellers, and in nearly every case people didn't realise they had lost their belongings until they left the tram," acting Senior Sergeant Volk said.

Yarra Trams spokesman Mohamed Said said city hot-spots included trams in Collins and Bourke streets.

Acting Senior Sergeant Volk appealed to the public to help the investigation by reporting thefts. "We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have had foreign currency stolen, as a search warrant executed on a Kings Park address yielded a quantity of cash, most of it in money from other countries."

The three were charged with attempted theft, handling stolen goods and possessing proceeds of crime.

"Given the amount of offending, they're certainly well practised at their craft," acting Senior Sergeant Volk said.

He warned people to be vigilant, particularly during the holiday period.

The teenager was bailed to appear in Melbourne Children's Court on February 5 and the two women were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on the same date.

© 2009 The Age

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