Uzbek Consulate Warns Citizens About Theft in Türkiye

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Consulate General in Istanbul has urged citizens planning to travel to Türkiye to exercise increased caution following a rise in pickpocketing incidents in popular tourist areas.

According to the diplomatic mission, there has recently been an increase in the theft of handbags containing tourists' money, passports and other important documents.

The consulate said that, based on monitoring data and CCTV footage, such crimes most frequently occur in crowded locations, particularly around Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia. According to the mission, the thefts are often carried out by minors, mainly girls, who discreetly steal tourists' belongings.

The Consulate General noted that prosecuting juvenile offenders requires compliance with special legal procedures, meaning the handling of such cases may take considerable time. It therefore urged citizens to remain especially vigilant.

The diplomatic mission advised travelers to keep their personal belongings under constant supervision, avoid storing passports, cash and other valuables in the same place, remain cautious in crowded areas, and refrain from carrying large amounts of cash unless necessary.

In the event of theft, the Consulate General recommends that citizens immediately report the incident to the Turkish law enforcement authorities and notify Uzbekistan's diplomatic mission in Istanbul.