Key Points:
- A Japanese national had her smartphone snatched by a man who approached from behind while she was using it while walking in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires.
- When staying in unfamiliar areas, such as during trips or business travels, it is essential to take precautions and stay vigilant, considering the inconvenience caused by a stolen smartphone.
Main Text:
The following is a report of a theft incident involving a Japanese national.
1. Incident Overview
(1) Date and Time
Wednesday, January 15, 2025, around 2:00 PM
(2) Location
Palermo district, Buenos Aires (near Del Signo Street and Paraguay Street)
(3) Victim and Stolen Item
- Victim: Female Japanese tourist
- Item: One smartphone
(4) Circumstances of the Incident
While walking and using her smartphone to search for locations in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires, the victim had her phone suddenly snatched by a man who approached from behind. Although startled by the sudden incident, she shouted, “¡Ayuda! ¡Celular!” (Help! My phone!) and attempted to pursue the perpetrator, but he managed to escape.
The surrounding area was relatively quiet at the time, with only a few pedestrians nearby. The victim did not notice any suspicious individuals approaching beforehand.
2. Crime Prevention Measures
(1) According to reports, the number of smartphone snatch-and-grab incidents in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas exceeds 3,000 per month based on police reports alone. The actual number is believed to be three to four times higher, making smartphone theft a frequent occurrence. Perpetrators often operate in groups, using various methods to distract their targets and commit the crime quickly before fleeing. However, solo perpetrators, as in this case, are also not uncommon.
(2) Using headphones or earphones outdoors or using a smartphone while walking reduces awareness of your surroundings and makes it harder to detect people approaching. This increases the risk of becoming a target for theft. It is important to remain aware of these risks.
(3) If you are unfortunate enough to fall victim to theft, it is essential to prioritize your safety over pursuing the thief. Chasing after the perpetrator may provoke them, leading to possible retaliation or harm. Consider the inconvenience of losing your smartphone and take preventive measures to avoid becoming a target, particularly during trips or business travels.
