Report #13: Pickpockets in Bishkek

So far I have had two bad experiences with pickpockets in Bishkek marshrutkas (vans used as public transportation). And both of the times it ended with fist fights inside or outside the marshrutka. In fact, the second time about a week ago, three pickpockets followed me into a drugstore in one of the liveliest intersections of Moskovskaya and Logvinenko streets, the brawl continued until the drugstore vendor threatened to call the police.
Speaking of police, I am really angry at Mr. Sutalinov, Minister of Interior (MVD). The police, reportedly, is a part of whole scheme, where pickpockets share the “profit” with the policemen who in their turn close their eyes on this “petty crime.” And readers, if you want to see how pickpockets work, please stand on the intersection of Kievskaya and Beyshenalieva streets where marshrutkas stop and after 15 minutes you will see that this problem has gotten WAY out of control. Not only in marshrutkas, but on the street, stores, etc. Everywhere!!!

Marshrutka drivers can at least put up warning signs inside their marshrutkas. The police could put up signs on intersections and bus stops, stations, and in stores (ZUM?).

P.S. I found these two relevant signs. One from Estonia, another from Belgium.