Argentina: Pickpocketing Incident in Retiro, Buenos Aires

Summary: A Japanese traveler fell victim to a pickpocketing incident in an office building in the Retiro district of Buenos Aires. The perpetrators were a group of three men who replaced the victim’s backpack with an empty one.

Incident Details:

1. Incident Overview:
   • Date: March 22, 2023
   • Time: 11:40 AM
   • Location: Reception counter on the ground floor of an office building in Retiro, Buenos Aires
   • Victim: Japanese traveler
   • Stolen Items: Passport, laptop, and other items from a backpack
   • Perpetrators: Three men, well-dressed and not appearing as local slum dwellers
2. Incident Description:
   • Situation:
     • The victim placed a small suitcase in front of them and their backpack on the floor near their right foot while completing entry procedures at the reception counter.
     • During this time, two of the perpetrators, who were carrying a backpack, approached the victim from behind, and discreetly swapped their backpack with the victim’s.
     • The victim did not notice the swap as it happened outside their field of view.
   • Discovery:
     • Upon completing the entry procedures and attempting to retrieve their backpack, the victim realized that their backpack had been replaced with an empty one.
   • Surveillance Footage:
     • The office building’s security cameras captured the perpetrators’ actions. They acted in a coordinated manner:
       • One perpetrator performed the swap.
       • Another monitored the victim to ensure they did not notice the crime.
       • The third kept a lookout from a distance.
3. Preventive Measures:
   • General Awareness:
     • The Retiro area is known for its high crime rates, particularly due to the nearby slum. Always remain vigilant and keep your belongings close.
   • Safety Tips:
     • Avoid placing valuables like passports and mobile phones all in one bag. Use a waist pouch or other secure carrying methods to distribute your valuables.
     • Keep constant watch over your belongings, especially in areas with high foot traffic and when interacting with others.