September 14, 2025 | New Taipei City, Taiwan
Authorities in New Taipei City have arrested suspected international pickpockets after a coordinated police operation in Jiufen Old Street on Saturday afternoon, September 13.
According to reports, the New Taipei City Police Department shared intelligence with their Taipei City counterparts regarding a series of pickpocketing incidents targeting foreign visitors. Investigators learned that two Filipino nationals, previously linked to thefts in the Yongkang shopping district, had re-entered Taiwan on tourist visas on September 5 and later traveled to the Ruifang area.
Fearing a repeat of their past crimes, Ruifang police heightened security around tourist hotspots. Surveillance and intelligence review confirmed suspicious activity near Jiufen Old Street. Police Captain Wang Hongxiang then led a task force composed of several officers, who conducted discreet monitoring and prepared an entrapment operation.
At around 5:30 p.m. on September 13, officers spotted three men wearing hats and masks behaving suspiciously. When one of them attempted to signal an escape, police quickly moved in and arrested him along with two companions. One of the men matched the description of the suspect from previous cases.
The trio was identified by a Japanese tourist who had earlier been victimized, leading to confirmation of their involvement. They were immediately turned over to prosecutors for investigation on theft charges.
New Taipei City Police Commissioner Fang Yangning emphasized the importance of safeguarding both tourists and locals from such crimes. Just last week, senior police officials held discussions with the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association at the Ruifang Police Station to address issues concerning visitor safety.
As part of broader security measures, police have expanded surveillance coverage, boosted patrol presence, and deployed undercover officers in busy tourist districts. Public awareness campaigns, including multilingual anti-theft reminders in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, have also been launched in partnership with local businesses.
Authorities said the latest arrest dealt a significant blow to an international pickpocketing ring and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe travel environment in New Taipei City.
