Bulgaria: Advisory on Pickpocketing in Public Transport in Varna

Key Points:

• Recently, there have been frequent reports of pickpocketing incidents on public transport in Varna, located along the Black Sea coast.
• The methods used include individuals approaching passengers in a friendly manner, surrounding them in groups to limit their movement, and then closely standing behind or beside them to rummage through their belongings.
• If you become a victim, please report it to the police and also notify our embassy.

Details:

• In Varna, incidents of pickpocketing on public transport have been increasing.
• Here’s a summary of a case reported by a Japanese resident in the area:
  • The incident occurred while riding a bus that travels through the city center, large shopping malls, universities, and beaches.
  • The pickpocket approached in a friendly manner, surrounded by multiple people to restrict movement, and stood close by to rummage through a backpack.
  • The thief was a woman who spoke to the victim in English, but spoke a language that was neither English nor Bulgarian among her accomplices and on the phone.
  • The pickpocket wore ordinary clothing that did not seem suspicious and carried an empty bag or shopping bag.
  • Since the victim withdrew cash from a bank before being targeted, it is possible that the thief followed them from the bank.
  • The thief attempted to evade capture by shedding layers of clothing during their escape, indicating possible habitual behavior.
• Varna is known as a resort area, where thefts targeting foreign tourists, including pickpocketing and scams, are common. Japanese individuals may be particularly vulnerable as their appearance clearly identifies them as foreigners. Please keep the following precautions in mind to avoid becoming a victim:
  • If you notice someone getting uncomfortably close or approaching you in a friendly manner on public transport, quickly create distance.
  • If you find yourself surrounded and unable to move, hold your belongings in front of you and exit at the nearest station or stop instead of waiting to reach your destination.
  • When using ATMs or bank counters, stay aware of your surroundings. If you feel you are being followed, consider taking a taxi to quickly evade any pursuers.
  • Do not attempt to retaliate or chase the thief, as they may be armed; focus on protecting yourself.
• If you do become a victim, please report it to Varna police and inform our embassy:
  • EU Emergency Number: 112
  • Varna District Police Headquarters: 2 Tsar Kaloyan str. / +359 52 615 166
  • First Police Station (covers Varna city center): 30 Parijka komuna str. / +359 52 611 516
  • Fifth Police Station (covers Golden Sands Beach): 9007 Golden Sands Resort / +359 52 355 311