BLITAR – A community event that offered thousands of free eggs to residents in Blitar turned chaotic after a Blitar pickpocketing incident left at least 12 people reporting lost valuables and led to the detention of a suspected thief.
Thousands of residents and poultry farmers gathered at Kanigoro Square on Monday for a peaceful egg distribution campaign. The event drew large crowds, with many people lining up for hours to receive free eggs.
However, the dense crowd created an opportunity for criminal activity. Several attendees later discovered that their belongings had disappeared while they waited in line.
Police and local residents quickly responded after witnesses spotted a man acting suspiciously in the middle of the crowd. Authorities later detained the suspect for questioning.
Aiptu Tatang, a member of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Kanigoro Police Station, said the suspect allegedly stole items by opening victims’ bags while people focused on the egg distribution.
“The suspect allegedly took victims’ belongings by opening their bags while residents were waiting in line for the free egg distribution near Karang Pulo,” Tatang said.
According to preliminary reports, at least 12 people have filed complaints with authorities. Victims reported losing mobile phones, wallets, personal identification cards, and other valuables.
“For now, around 12 victims have reported losses, including mobile phones, wallets, and other valuable items,” Tatang explained.
Investigators continue to question the suspect and gather evidence. Police also want to determine whether the individual acted alone or worked with other people.
One eyewitness, identified as Refa, said he helped stop the suspect after noticing unusual behavior. He became suspicious when the man attempted to move quickly through the crowd and appeared ready to flee.
Refa said the suspect dropped two mobile phones while trying to escape. The devices allegedly belonged to victims of the theft.
“I saw him trying to run away, then two mobile phones fell from his bag. After that, I secured him and handed him over to the police,” Refa said.
The witness added that the suspect resisted when residents tried to detain him. Refa claimed the man shouted aggressively and nearly assaulted him during the confrontation.
According to information circulating among witnesses, the suspect told people he came from Jombang. Police have not officially confirmed that claim.
Many residents believe the thefts may have involved more than one person. Victims reported losses from different sections of the event area, including the western, eastern, and central crowd zones.
“That makes it look like a group operation because victims lost items in several different parts of the venue,” Refa said.
Police continue their investigation as they work to identify additional suspects and recover stolen property from the Blitar pickpocketing incident.