Vigilante Delivery Rider Turns to Social Media to Fight Pickpocketing in London
Diego Galdino, a Brazilian food app delivery rider, has become an online sensation for his efforts to combat pickpocketing in the British capital.
On a recent weekday, Diego Galdino was on the hunt for pickpockets in central London, patrolling tourist hotspots for familiar suspects and telltale signs of those about to commit thefts.
However, Galdino is not a policeman; he is a food app delivery rider from Brazil who has turned to social media to take matters into his own hands.
Galdino started filming — and then trying to disrupt — thieves in action after witnessing several incidents.
His videos on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms under the handle "pickpocketlondon" have proved a hit.
One posted late July on TikTok amassed nearly 27 million views — another on Instagram showing a suspect spitting at him garnered more than 12 million.
Galdino told AFP that he never intended for his actions to gain such widespread attention.
Similar accounts have emerged in other European cities, including Venice and Paris, as the era of mass tourism, social media, and side hustles collides with crime and vigilantism.
Galdino said that he has become an expert at identifying likely thieves, who appear well organized, are often women, and work in pairs to target tourists.
He has even garnered a network of around 20 other delivery riders who help him monitor the streets via WhatsApp.
Galdino’s presence is not always welcomed; he has faced violence from suspects.
However, focus, adrenaline, and a sense of "injustice" at the thefts override any fear he may have.
He shouts a signature "pickypockets" warning to sound the alert, hoping that his actions will deter potential criminals.
While some people on the streets appreciate Galdino's efforts, others have raised concerns about vigilantism.
Criminologist Jennifer Fleetwood argued that while Galdino is well-meaning, he lacks formal training in dealing with potentially dangerous situations.
She also noted that social media can exaggerate the problem of pickpocketing.
London’s leaders maintain they are tackling pickpocketing.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has boosted police numbers in central London to curb theft, robbery, and antisocial behavior.
The Metropolitan Police stated that there was a 15.6 percent reduction in "theft from the person" since their boost began on April 6.
However, force statistics show that there were over 32,000 such incidents recorded in central Westminster in the year to July.
The debate surrounding Galdino's actions reflects a broader conversation about crime and its portrayal on social media.
However, Galdino is not a policeman; he is a food app delivery rider from Brazil who has turned to social media to take matters into his own hands.
Galdino started filming — and then trying to disrupt — thieves in action after witnessing several incidents.
His videos on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms under the handle "pickpocketlondon" have proved a hit.
One posted late July on TikTok amassed nearly 27 million views — another on Instagram showing a suspect spitting at him garnered more than 12 million.
Galdino told AFP that he never intended for his actions to gain such widespread attention.
Similar accounts have emerged in other European cities, including Venice and Paris, as the era of mass tourism, social media, and side hustles collides with crime and vigilantism.
Galdino said that he has become an expert at identifying likely thieves, who appear well organized, are often women, and work in pairs to target tourists.
He has even garnered a network of around 20 other delivery riders who help him monitor the streets via WhatsApp.
Galdino’s presence is not always welcomed; he has faced violence from suspects.
However, focus, adrenaline, and a sense of "injustice" at the thefts override any fear he may have.
He shouts a signature "pickypockets" warning to sound the alert, hoping that his actions will deter potential criminals.
While some people on the streets appreciate Galdino's efforts, others have raised concerns about vigilantism.
Criminologist Jennifer Fleetwood argued that while Galdino is well-meaning, he lacks formal training in dealing with potentially dangerous situations.
She also noted that social media can exaggerate the problem of pickpocketing.
London’s leaders maintain they are tackling pickpocketing.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has boosted police numbers in central London to curb theft, robbery, and antisocial behavior.
The Metropolitan Police stated that there was a 15.6 percent reduction in "theft from the person" since their boost began on April 6.
However, force statistics show that there were over 32,000 such incidents recorded in central Westminster in the year to July.
The debate surrounding Galdino's actions reflects a broader conversation about crime and its portrayal on social media.
