The man, 39 years old, had unfolded a city map. He positioned himself directly behind a woman walking by, using the map to block her view of her backpack. His 35-year-old accomplice took advantage of the map’s cover, quietly unzipped the backpack, and reached inside to steal its contents.
But their plan didn't work out. The carabiniere saw through the scam immediately and caught the perpetrators in the act. He intervened right away, preventing the theft. He then called for backup from the nearby station. His colleagues arrived quickly and apprehended the two suspected thieves. The pair are two homeless individuals from Eastern Europe who are already known to the police for similar offenses.
Both were taken to the police station and charged with attempted pickpocketing but were released. They must now answer for their actions in court.
