Chile: Advisory on Ketchup Theft Near University of Chile Metro Station

Incident Overview

•Date and Time: November 23 (Saturday) at approximately 1:00 PM

•Location: Near University of Chile Metro Station (Line 1)

•Victim: A Japanese man residing in Chile

•Items Stolen: Keys, earphones, mobile battery, etc.

•Details: The victim was walking towards the University of Chile Metro Station from Plaza de Armas when an unknown individual poured a large amount of dirty substance on him from behind. As he was cleaning the substance off his hair and clothes, another man offered him tissue, and in the process, the victim’s bag, which was hanging from his shoulder, was stolen.

Safety Recommendations

1.Avoid Carrying All Valuables in One Bag:

•Separate valuables like passports, cash, ID, and mobile phones to minimize the risk of losing everything in case of theft.

2.Understanding the ‘Ketchup Theft’ Scheme:

•In ‘ketchup theft,’ a group of criminals divides roles: one person splashes ketchup or other liquids on the victim, another acts kindly to distract the victim by offering tissue, and the others steal the victim’s bag. The stolen items are passed among the group.

3.How to React if Targeted:

•If splashed with ketchup or a similar substance, do not panic or immediately wipe it off. Instead, stay calm and leave the area quickly.

Be aware of this type of theft and take extra care to safeguard your belongings when walking in crowded or high-risk areas.