American woman grabbed a 14-year-old thief by the hair in Venice (4 photos + 1 video)
Category: Interesting photo stories, PEGI 0+
Today, 03:59
On Thursday, an incident occurred in the Santa Maria del Giglio district of Venice. An angry American woman grabbed a 14-year-old girl by the hair and pulled her out of the crowd of onlookers. It turned out that the young pickpocket had stolen her passport and wallet. 
The thief resisted and shouted at the woman, but she held her tightly and replied: "You stole my wallet and passport. You are not leaving."
When the teenager's accomplice threatened to call the police, the tourist said: "Let's call the police, and maybe they'll give me my passport back."
Noticing the approach of law enforcement officers, the pickpocket grabbed her mobile phone and hit the woman on the head several times. The strong blow to the temple caused bleeding, requiring medical assistance.
The two juvenile suspects resisted arrest, but were quickly subdued and taken to the local police station. They were charged with theft and released on bail.
They were spotted back among the crowds of tourists just two days later.
Gangs are increasingly recruiting children into the criminal business. Venice, known as one of Italy's top tourist destinations, has long been a hub for criminal activity. Angry residents have formed associations to identify criminals and inform police.
Officials are concerned that legal loopholes allow adult pickpockets, especially women, to operate freely. Those under 14 are not criminally liable at all.
Local police deputy chief Gianni Franzoi told Secolo d'Italia: "There are more women pickpockets in the city now. They are attracted by impunity."
"The law requires that victims be present at the hearing, not just to file a formal complaint," he explained. According to him, for a conviction to be issued, the pickpocket's victim must also be present in court.
"The victims are mostly foreigners and they almost never come to the hearings. So there are no trials and no convictions."
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has called for the legal framework to be adapted to give police and courts more powers to prosecute thieves.
"We must not accept that crimes that damage people and the image of the city are becoming the norm," Brugnaro said last week. "Urgent action is needed. Authorities must take into account the views of local residents and ensure safety in cities."
Monica Poli, spokeswoman for the Cittadini Non Distratti association, condemned the involvement of children in criminal activity: "The problem is that pickpockets are often under 13, including girls. We have a duty to protect the most vulnerable – the elderly and disabled, who often become victims of thieves. This is our civic duty.”
