Tenerife Pickpockets Caught on Camera Targeting Tourist
A recent video captured two women pickpocketing a tourist in Santiago del Teide, Tenerife, underscoring the persistent issue of professional thefts targeting visitors in the Canary Islands.
Thefts are by far the most reported crimes in the Canary Islands, especially in Tenerife. For almost 25 years, many pickpockets have targeted the island's most popular tourist spots and natural areas, stealing money and valuables from thousands of visitors. These professional thieves come from Eastern Europe, particularly Romania, but also include Spaniards and Canarians.
Many of these thefts happen between November and April each year. This is when other tourist places, like those in the Mediterranean or the Balearic Islands, are closed. Because of this, the Civil Guard and National Police run "Operation Danube" every year to combat these crimes.
Recently, a video captured two women pickpocketing a tourist on the coast of Santiago del Teide. The incident took place near the exit of Los Gigantes marina, next to an area known as Poblado Canario. Two women approach their victims from behind. One thief opens the tourist's backpack, trying to take something valuable or their wallet. Meanwhile, the other thief uses a piece of clothing to cover the theft, hiding it from other tourists.