Istanbul – the city of a thousand and one of stories – can steal your heart … or the wallet. And it’s not just a metaphor. In the middle of the scents of Baclava, the Bosphorus fibers and the history written in stone, a discreet, but well organized danger, the tourists in the busy means of transport and not only, in Istanbul.
A recent post from social networks, confirmed by other injured Romanians, draws an alarm about this situation. Attention comes in the context in which more and more tourists choose to visit “the busiest city in the world“ – The metropolis on two continents – to discover its famous attractions, such as Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, the Great Bazaar, the Galata Tower, the Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe and others.
Under the splendor of Istanbul, pocket thieves play their collage
Tourists hunted in tram: How do thieves operate in black robes
A group consisting of men and women dressed in the specific Muslim port – with Abaya and Niqab, long robes and faces covered except eyes – was noted by Romanian tourists in the T5 tram, between Galata and Balat. According to the account of a travel community, they act with an almost military accuracy. It climbs into wagons at peak hours, causes tasting, mimics the lack of space, covers their hands under clothes and, in a second of inattention, I can dispose of the most valuable things you have on you.
“They are very pushed from all sides, as if they were not taking place, so that they do not work. I hold a hand on the bar and the other under the robe. We realized the second, although they had already started to open half of the zipper. mentioned the author of the post.
Robbery choreography: Theft tactics in the agglomeration of Istanbul
Tactics? Diabolically simple. One rests “accidentally” By you, another mimics that they are hot, and another makes subtle signs of others. In a perfectly synchronized choreography, I distract the victim’s attention, instinctively moves his hand on the bag, and in a few moments it is too late. It descends quickly, stirring in the crowd or passing another wagon.
According to comments at the post, some injured have hardly recovered their documents. But the money took their flight: 700 euros, 2,000 euros, whole wallets disappear in silence, leaving behind shock and indignation: “Confirm. The same people left me without a wallet on May 2. Take care, especially in the Grand Bazar area!”
Another Internetaut told: “The worst is that, in a bus on the Istanbul-Denizli route, some Romanians were caught exactly the same … I froze.”
The Turkish press also frequently signals such incidents (See video), In which victims are not only tourists, but also the locals. For example, in the tram station in çemberlita, a thief who stole a woman’s phone, quickly captured by the police, was released on the same day, stirring indignation among citizens. A woman waiting for the tram in the Fatih neighborhood was robbed by a thief who stole the phone directly from her hand, the incident being surprised by the security rooms. A thief who stole a phone in the Avcılar neighborhood made a selfie with him before he sells. And some of these pocket thefts are committed including minors who often act in groups.
Hard lessons for untouchable tourists
On forums and Facebook groups, stories about pocket thieves and other unpleasant incidents gather and become clear warnings for tourists who think they know how to avoid. The experience does not save you anymore when the thieves have refined tactics, and many travelers have completely changed the way they move through Istanbul: the backpacks – forgotten at home; Puts – hidden well, in bags under clothes; large amounts of money – “At the bra, the most holy place”as a Romanian bitter jokes.
And yet, in the busiest areas – the historical center with Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, in ports and on the tourists full of tourists, including Romanians in Turkey – the massive presence of law enforcement gives a false safety air. Police are asking for identity documents with rigor, and their careful eyes seem to ensure that everything is under control. Only this feeling of protection is often an illusion: the dangers are in the shadows of the crowd, ready to hit in the most innocent moment.
How do you stay away from: survival guide in the Istanbul agglomeration
- Choose a bag that closes completely and holds it tightly, always under your gaze.
- The backpack? Only if it is empty and you can control it permanently.
- Avoid peak hours and crowded areas such as Galata, Eminönü, Grand Bazar or Taksim.
- If you feel an insistent touch, change your position quickly and attract the attention of others.
- Always pay attention to the moments when you are distracted – the phone, map or child can be safe targets.
- Money and documents? Hide them in hard-to-reach places and keep them close.
In such a full and fascinating city, the vigilance is the best companion. Be with your eyes open, travel smart and let thieves remain just a story to tell, not a personal experience.
Attention: not just in Istanbul
Similar cases are also reported in Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London and … Bucharest. And in all major European cities. Offenders have no borders, but only opportunities. And the agglomeration is their favorite land.
The conclusion? Istanbul is worth seeing, felt, loved. But also in magical cities, reality is not always like stories. Keep your bag close, your eyes open and enjoy a safe holiday.
Do not let a moment of inattention turn your oriental dream into a tourist nightmare.
