Tuesday, November 26, a police patrol spotted a suspicious individual near a city bank in Friborg who matched a wanted person report. The agents quickly noticed that he was in contact with an accomplice located in the lobby of the building. The two individuals were arrested in order to carry out checks.
According to the first elements of the investigation, the duo would be involved in three cases of pickpocketing and theft in recent months (1 in September and 2 in November) in the city of Fribourg. The two men, aged 30 and 37 and of Romanian origin, always use the same operating method. They identify potential victims, targeted because of their advanced age or physical disability, when they withdraw money from bank counters. They then take advantage of a moment of inattention to steal their money.
Interviewed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the men were placed in pre-trial detention. The investigation is ongoing. The cantonal police invite all people who have been victims of such an offense in recent weeks to report to a police station without delay.
It further repeats the following recommendations:
– Never leave your bags and luggage unattended.
– Carry only a minimum amount of cash and valuables.
– Carry your valuables in an interior pocket (with closure if possible).
– In a crowd, carry your bag closed in front of you, whether it is a handbag, shoulder bag or backpack.
– Report any suspicious cases to 117.
