As if they don’t have enough money problems already, striking school teachers are being targeted by pickpockets who have taken advantage of the large crowds during recent demonstrations.
Costa Rica’s National Police on Friday reported that since May 5, the first day of the nationwide strike, officers have arrested 162 thieves during demonstrations in San José alone.
The sinvergüenzas were caught in the act or arrested after a police chase, the report said.
National Police Director José Juan Andrade said officers have been patrolling street demonstrations since the first day of the strike, and cops are fully aware that pickpockets target mass gatherings.
The Tico Times learned of several foreign journalists who were pickpocketed during President Luis Guillermo Solís’ May 8 inauguration, for example.
The police report states that most of the detainees were arrested after taking protesters’ purses, wallets, cellphones, tablets and cameras.
Andrade urged teachers to be alert during demonstrations and he warned against carrying large sums of cash or visibly displaying electronic devices.
The teachers’ strike on Friday reached its 26th day and will resume on Monday with public demonstrations in the capital.
