Beware the ‘spit and shift’, warn Abu Dhabi Police

Dubbed the “spit and shift” the culprit will appear to carelessly spit on the potential victim’s clothes, before apologising and attempting to help the victim wipe it off — using the opportunity to snatch valuables from their pockets.

ABU DHABI // Police in the capital are warning residents about a trick pickpockets are using to steal the wallets of bank customers.

Dubbed the “spit and shift”, the scam involves the thief apparently carelessly spitting on a potential victim’s clothes. He then apologises and attempts to help the victim wipe it off — using the opportunity to lift valuables from their pockets.

Abu Dhabi Police became aware of the tactic when it was used to steal Dh10,000 from a bank customer who had just withdrawn the money from an ATM.

“The station recently received a complaint filed by a Bangladeshi national, K K Z, who reported that he was robbed,” said Lieutenant Colonel Rashid Khalaf Al Dhaheri, director of Al Shabia Police Station.

“The man said that he had just withdrawn Dh10,000 from the ATM, when a man spat on his clothes with apparent carelessness. He quickly said he was sorry and joined him in cleaning his clothes and left.

“When the victim finishing wiping off the spit off of his clothes, he checked his pockets, and noticed that the accused had relieved of his money. He tried to look for the culprit, who had already fled the scene, then decided to file a complaint with Al Shabia Police. Acting upon the description given by the victim, the Al Shabia Police Station formed a team and followed up on the case, to arrest the accused and bring him to justice,” Lieutenant Colonel Al Dhaheri said.

Colonel Ahmed Saif bin Zeitoun Al Muhairi, acting director of the Capital Police Directorate warned residents to be aware of methods used by thieves and protect their belongings, particularly when withdrawing money from banks.

He said Abu Dhabi Police is committed to protecting members of the public asked for the public’s cooperation in reporting incidents.

Members of the public can communicate with Abu Dhabi Police via the Aman service to deliver information regarding security and social issues round-the-clock in Arabic, English and Urdu. To do so, they can dial the toll-free number, 8002626, send an SMS to 2828, send an email to Aman via the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters' website, www.aman.gov.ae, or call the Operations Room on 999.