City Ups Security at Eastern Market after Pickpockets Strike

Eastern Market released this security camera photo of persons-of-interest in connection with recent pickpocketing at the Market.

City Ups Security at Eastern Market after Pickpockets Strike

by Larry Janezich

At last Wednesday night’s meeting of the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), Market Manager Barry Margeson reported that on November 18, 19, and 22nd, (as earlier reported by Capitol Hill Corner) pickpockets robbed three different customers. Margeson said all three incidents were of the “bump and run variety” with two individuals acting in tandem.  

Separately, in a follow up email to one of the persons robbed, CM Charles Allen said that he had reached out to the Director of the DGS (who manages the market) with concerns about the recent pickpocket crimes as well as concerns about possible thefts from vendors and artists.  Allen said that “[DGS] Director Hunter informed me … that he has agreed to my request to place dedicated Protective Services officers at Eastern Market on both Saturdays and Sundays.  He shared with me that they expect that increased presence to begin this weekend.  I appreciate his agreement and action and am hopeful we don’t see (further instances) of pickpocketing…. 

EMCAC has been pressing the Department of General Services (DGS) for more security at the market on weekends when the outdoor street markets attract throngs of visitors.  

How it works: When two persons are operating a bump and run scheme, one person will suddenly stop in front of you making you bump into them.  If the person you bump has their hands full, it relieves their target’s suspicions.  The second member of the team takes advantage of the distraction to steal the target’s valuables.  Carrying a wallet in a front pocket or putting a rubber band around it is not necessarily a useful ploy to avoid becoming a victim.    

Here’s an excerpt from a piece by travel writer Rick Steves on outsmarting pickpockets:

“Stay vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions. Go on instant alert anytime there’s a commotion; it’s likely a smokescreen for theft.  Imaginative artful-dodger thief teams create a disturbance — a fight, a messy spill, or a jostle or stumble — to distract their victims.  Crowds anywhere, but especially on public transit and at flea markets, provide bad guys with plenty of targets, opportunities, and easy escape routes.

Be on guard in train stations, especially upon arrival, when you may be overburdened by luggage and overwhelmed by a new location. A petite bump and a slight nudge getting off the Metro in Paris and…wallet gone.”

And here’s a link to the article: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/theft-scams/outsmarting-pickpockets