Erfurt (dpa/th) - The Thuringian police have warned against pickpocketing at Christmas markets. "A visit to the
The Thuringian police referred to a handout from the police crime prevention of the federal states and the federal government. There some "scams" of thieves at Christmas markets are described. The criminals often disguised themselves as "bumps", "smudgers" or "fake tourists".
While supposed tourists have a route explained to them at great expense and reach into the victim's pocket, "smudgers" supposedly accidentally drop a drink and spill mustard or ketchup on the victim's jacket and then offer to clean the jacket - to secretly again reach into the victim's pocket. The police advise paying particular attention to your valuables at Christmas markets.
