A dramatic video shows U.S. tourists pursuing suspected pickpockets in Venice after a teenager reportedly stole a wallet and passport from one of them. The footage captures a woman confronting a teenage girl while a crowd watches in the iconic Italian city.
According to Charis McKelloy, her mother and seven other moms tracked the stolen items using the “Find My Friends” feature associated with their AirPods. This all unfolded last Thursday while Charis was on vacation with her stepfather. They were on a narrow bridge when her mother realized her backpack had been unzipped, losing a credit card, cash, and passport in the process.
Charis explained, “My mom and stepdad instantly began to track her wallet and managed to confront the girls.” They were eventually able to get back the stolen property.
“So, she chased them down, grabbed one girl by her ponytail, and didn’t let go,” Charis continued. “Two girls managed to escape with my mom’s wallet, but she really just wanted her passport back to head home.”
At that point, their Airbnb host informed them that the trio was known for their pickpocketing in Venice and that officers were on the way to apprehend the teenagers.
The girl being held by Charis’ mom reportedly screamed, but that didn’t deter her. “I have eight kids, you can’t intimidate me,” Charis’ mother said, clearly frustrated with the situation.
Just as the police arrived, the girl allegedly struck Charis’ mother with a bag she was carrying, which contained one of the stolen items. “My mom ended up with a cut on her head and a black eye, but the girl was arrested,” Charis reported.
Another girl was caught at the airport, where some of Charis’ mother’s belongings were recovered, including her credit card and passport. However, the cash and the AirPod were not returned.
Despite the ordeal, Charis mentioned that her mother was appreciative of the kindness shown by others in Venice during the incident.
Currently, the couple from North Carolina is enjoying a Mediterranean cruise after initially docking in Venice. However, the girl arrested for the theft was only 14 and was released on bail just two days later.
