Why Steal During Ramadan?

Citizens of Algiers are complaining at the growing insecurity in their city. In cities outside the capital, inhabitants are shocked at the rule of young hooligans who infest their quarters, especially during the month of Ramadan. Popular objects to steal are cell phones, jewelry, cameras, handbags, and wallets. One city vendor thinks that pickpockets and other thieves see more opportunities during Ramadan, as families with low energy levels do more window-shopping, buying and spending, and are less vigilant in looking after their personal effects. Security has been stepped up; but many citizens see it as ineffectual in comparison to the tenacity of the robbers. They have perfected their techniques and are determined to accomplish their task. These burglars don’t steal from merchants forced to sell junk merchandise made in China on the street. These vendors are quick to point out that, while the cops harass them, at least they make their living through hard work; and if their condition worsens, they may end up in a life of crime, given the lack of alternative work.

Many thieves steal out of boredom, unemployment, bad company, or opportunity. And they’re picky; they want something of value for their efforts. Traffic jams, common in Algiers and other large cities, offer an ideal circumstance for their trade. Some approach motorists to point out a flat tire or other problem with their vehicle. Others do damage to the vehicle themselves or cause an accident to catch a driver off guard in order to rob him/her or steal the vehicle. Criminal activity takes place in all parts of Algiers, no matter what part of the city. This has lead some to say that it is just basically an unsafe city. Given all the adolescent boys and young men without jobs, with time on their hands to develop who knows how many tricks of the trade, the probability that any one individual will be a victim (pigeon) is high. Going with a police officer to the Casbah is a possibility; policemen are available for that purpose. But most people can’t afford a personal security guard to be ever-present in their routine activity.

Of course, Algiers isn’t the only big city, which suffers from crime. Most tourists to Europe have a story or two to tell about their experience as victims of robbery or other mishaps during their travels. In Algeria’s large cities of the north, it may be present on a somewhat large scale due to recent years of lawlessness, unemployment, low levels of education, corruption, and inadequate training of security officers. Or you can go south, Tamanrasset and the cities of the Mzab are safe and pleasant places to visit.

One last note: The Muslim world cannot agree on when Ramadan ends. The new moon must be seen with the naked eye; and the Muslim community (umma) is much larger than it was during Muhammad's lifetime. Also, a lunar month cannot be over 30 days; but authorities in Saudi Arabia mistook Mercury for the moon beginning the month, according to an Algerian paper, and began Ramadan on September 23. Thus, the Gulf states, must end it on Monday, October 23. Algerians have not as yet resorted to science and are waiting to see if officials can see the new moon with the naked eye tonight (10/22). If they do, the end of Ramadan is tomorrow; and the Aid El Fitr can begin.