Thief with stroller and someone else's backpack in Palmanova

Published on May 06, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

The Civil Guard caught a woman trying to steal the backpack of a mother traveling with a stroller on the Palmanova promenade. The agents, in prevention duties, observed her manipulating the bag. When discovered, she left the items and tried to flee with an accomplice. Both were intercepted and found to have extensive records for the same method.

A woman tries to steal a backpack from a stroller, while an accomplice flees; the Civil Guard intercepts her on the Palmanova promenade.

The anti-theft technology that fails against human cunning 🔒

Systems like backpacks with RFID lockable zippers or proximity alarms via Bluetooth can deter occasional thieves. However, in crowded environments like a promenade, the human factor remains critical. User distraction or the criminal's skill in opening zippers unnoticed surpasses any sensor. Experts recommend combining cable locks with active environmental surveillance, as no device replaces constant attention.

The stroller as a new-generation tourist decoy 👶

The offender understood that a baby stroller generates trust and lowers any parent's guard. What she didn't count on is that the Civil Guard also knows that strollers are the new perfect hiding spot for designer backpacks. In the end, her plan fell through because, although the baby was fake, her record was very real. The next urban survival course will include modules on how to distinguish a real stroller from a fake one.