CEBU CITY – Police reminded the public to be extra vigilant in places of worship after a group of pickpockets robbed a woman inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Church here on Wednesday afternoon, September 11.

A FEMALE pickpocket uses a hat to cover her left hand which slips through the bag of a female churchgoer at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church on Wednesday afternoon, September 11. The thief escaped with the victim’s cell phone. (Screengrab)

The theft caught on video showed a woman, with the help of two accomplices, lifting a cellphone from inside the bag of a woman while in an area where churchgoers light candles and say a prayer.

Three of the pickpockets hurriedly left while their three accomplices lit candles before leaving.

Police Major John Lynbert Yango, chief of the Waterfront Police Station, said the incident was immediately investigated and five of the six suspects were identified based on their previous records.

The suspects were also involved in illegal drug activities.

Yango said they have formed a unit to specifically track down the pickpockets who are part of the Salisi Gang. A member was recently arrested and detained at the Cebu City Jail, added Yango.

Yango said the public must be wary of the people around them even inside a sacred place.

Church administrators advised the faithful to be mindful of their belongings.

“As what we would like to reiterate, all visitors and pilgrims of the Basilica are enjoined to be mindful of their belongings and surroundings kay wala na gayuy pilion nga lugar ang mga tawo nga naay dautan nga motibo (because people with bad motives choose no place),” said Rev. Fr. Jules Van Villa Almerez, the church’s media liaison said.