Pickpockets Target Eastern Market Shoppers
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 23
Over the last five days three patrons of Eastern Market have reported being the victims of pickpockets. The latest incident occurred Wednesday, November 22. The victim was robbed around 1:15pm and by the time they got home the thieves had charged over $5000 to four credit cards. The credit card companies deleted the charges and cancelled the cards and the victim filed a police report.
Pickpocketing has become a recurring problem at the Market. Last weekend, a source told Capitol Hill Corner that two victims reported being robbed by pickpockets to Market management and that police believe the thieves are professionals rather than opportunists.
On November 11 – Veteran’s Day – the NYT featured Eastern Market as one of its destinations in a Travel Section piece on 36 Hours in DC. Pickpockets need crowds – and with destination status come the crowds that attract pickpockets. The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) has been pressing the city for more security personnel at the market and has established a public safety committee which has been discussing security protocols and needed public safety measures. EMCAC will meet next Wednesday at 7:00pm in the North Hall of the Market and the recent criminal activity will likely be part of the discussion.
Meanwhile, Market customers are advised to be aware of the threat and to protect all of their valuables when shopping at the Market.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 