Celebrations for Paraguay's 215th Independence Day in Asunción were overshadowed by a wave of thefts, as pickpockets took advantage of dense crowds to snatch phones and wallets, according to reports from ABC Color and C9N.
ABC Color detailed that the thefts occurred primarily during a concert and fireworks display in the microcentro. Victims said thieves opened handbags and removed items from pockets amid the noise and distraction. Many then went to the Tercera Metropolitana police station to file reports throughout the night and early morning.
“Apparently, they took advantage of the crowd, started opening bags, took things from pockets… During the concert, when the fireworks went off, that's when they took the most advantage; there were several victims,” a young woman who accompanied her friend to the station told ABC Color.
Another victim described how a group of strangers jostled and created disorder to distract people. “They all pile up, start pushing, and push us. When we got out, my friend said he couldn't find his phone. We started calling but they had already turned it off… There were hardly any police; they were around but very spread out,” he said.
C9N confirmed the reports, noting that multiple people denounced thefts of cell phones and belongings during the patriotic festivities in the capital. Both outlets agreed that the large turnout provided cover for the thieves.
The incidents highlight ongoing security concerns at public events in Asunción, with victims calling for increased police presence to prevent such crimes during future gatherings.