Spain: Child Thieves Working ATMs

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | September 9th, 2009 | Trackback

Roma gypsies have a reputation across Europe as thieves, a reputation that is unfair to most but is earned by some. One common scam is for children to work areas around ATMs and swoop in just as the cash is dispensed while another person distracts the victim. Madrid police report that 95 percent of children under the age of 14 that they catch stealing on the streets are Roma from Romania. And they can steal with no fear of punishment. Under Spanish law, children younger than 14 cannot be prosecuted for crimes, so they are taken to day centers and then let go. For tourists, the best way to avoid such crime is always to be aware of your surroundings, especially when withdrawing money from ATMs or taking out cash for purchases.

Home » Europe, Scams/Crime, Spain

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