Eight expats have recently been arrested for stealing people’s valuables in crowded areas, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has announced.

The bust was made by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which formed a special team to respond to several recent complaints about pickpocketing in Qatar.

In a statement, the MOI identified the men only as “Africans” and said further legal action is pending against them.

Police are now urging residents to keep an eye on their belongings, especially in crowded areas like public markets and bus stations.

They also requested people cooperate with authorities in the event that they are pick-pocketed or witness such a crime.

Concerns raised

Earlier this month, the Gulf Times reported an increase in pickpocketing incidents outside exchange houses.

The incidents were especially common during weekends, when large crowds visited the exchanges to conduct transactions.

Separately, the newspaper also reported that an increasing number of people have been robbed after being spat on.

The offender usually apologizes, attempts to wipe off the spittle and then steals the victim’s wallet or other valuables in the process.

This has reportedly happened near Souq Waqif, in Al Hilal and Fareej Abdel Aziz, oftentimes after the victim has just visited the ATM.

Have you had any problems with theft lately? Thoughts?