The Lisbon Metropolitan Command of the PSP announced the arrest of two women, aged 16 and 21, caught in the act last week in the parish of Santa Maria Maior, and now held in preventive custody.
The women are suspected of committing several crimes, including aggravated theft, simple theft, payment card abuse, and document forgery.
The suspects operated within the Lisbon Metro network, approaching automatic ticket vending machines under the guise of offering assistance to travelers purchasing or loading transport tickets.
During these interactions, they identified potential victims by memorizing the payment card PIN codes whenever this method was used.
They then followed the victims onto the metro and, at the most opportune moment, stole wallets containing the payment cards used moments earlier, as described by the police.
With the cards and PIN codes in their possession, they frequented various commercial establishments to purchase electronic goods, clothing, or beauty and aesthetic services.
The PSP noted that these purchases often involved buying gift cards, which they used days later at various stores around Lisbon.
The pair was apprehended last Thursday while attempting to purchase two mobile phones, each valued at 1,249 euros, using stolen payment cards earlier that day at the Baixa-Chiado metro station, belonging to a tourist.
The total loss resulting from the thefts and subsequent misuse of the payment cards is estimated at around 14,000 euros, affecting six victims.
