The images were recorded two weeks ago, including on Warmoesstraat. The pickpocket used the so-called ‘football trick’: this meant that he would play with his target in order to quickly steal a wallet or telephone at the same time.
The two Englishmen soon discover that a telephone is missing. They chase him and push and hit him. Moments later, plainclothes officers arrest the pickpocket. He was sentenced to six weeks in prison three days later during a super-fast trial.
It concerned a man who had applied for asylum. His asylum application was processed urgently and rejected. After his prison sentence, he must leave the Netherlands and return to his country of origin.
Pickpockets, just like (fake) drug dealers, are a big problem in the Red Light District. The police regularly hold actions with plainclothes officers, but also warn everyone to be alert themselves.