Public petition n°4309

Petitioner: Victor Guijarro Campillo

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This petition calls for stronger criminal penalties for pickpocketing and the theft of mobile phones and wallets, whether or not violence is involved, as well as for any violence or threats that accompany them. In particular, it aims to: • strengthen penalties for these thefts in themselves, even without violence, because the harm to victims goes far beyond the value of the stolen items; • provide for even firmer penalties in cases involving violence, threats, aggravating circumstances or repeat offending; • ensure penalties that are proportionate to the seriousness of the offenses and sufficiently dissuasive; • improve the protection of the public, particularly on public transport and in public places. These offenses are not minor misdemeanors: they call for a firm, consistent and clear response.

Pickpocketing and the theft of phones and wallets affect a large number of people every day, particularly on public transport, in train stations, shops and tourist areas. Anyone can be a victim, regardless of age or situation. These thefts are too often treated as minor offenses, yet their consequences go far beyond the material value of the stolen items, even when no violence is involved. A mobile phone contains sensitive personal data: private photographs, messages, banking information, access to online accounts. Its theft exposes victims to privacy violations, fraud and identity theft. A wallet often holds bank cards, ID, a health insurance card (carte Vitale) and other essential documents. Losing them results in lengthy administrative procedures, as well as a risk of fraudulent use. Many victims also report a lasting feeling of vulnerability and a loss of trust in public spaces, even when they were never physically harmed. When theft is accompanied by violence or threats, the consequences are even more serious: physical injuries, psychological trauma and a lasting sense of insecurity, which can lead some people to change their habits or avoid certain places. Stronger penalties for these thefts, with a further increase in cases of violence, aggravating circumstances or repeat offending, serve the public interest: protecting the population, fully recognizing the harm suffered by victims, ensuring proportionate and dissuasive penalties, and strengthening citizens' confidence in the criminal justice response.