MIAOLI CITY, Taiwan — October 12, 2025. A woman suspected of multiple pickpocketing incidents at Nanmiao Market in Miaoli City was arrested on National Day after a series of thefts that had troubled local vendors and shoppers.
Authorities said that a 57-year-old woman surnamed Chen was caught red-handed by plainclothes officers while attempting to steal from marketgoers around 9 a.m. on October 10. Her arrest followed days of intensive surveillance and investigation by a special police task force.
Police recovered ID cards, ATM cards, purses, wallets, and over NT$20,000 in cash from Chen’s car, which was parked near the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Minsheng Street. During questioning, she admitted to committing eight thefts, often targeting crowded market days and holidays when people were busy shopping.
According to Miaoli City Police, Chen had already successfully stolen from two victims earlier that morning before officers caught her attempting another theft. She has since been referred to the Miaoli District Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation on charges of theft. Authorities have also requested preventive detention due to the repeated nature of her crimes.
The Miaoli Police Station explained that identifying the suspect had been challenging because of the heavy foot traffic and vehicle flow in and around the Shinan Miao Traditional Market. In response, officers intensified patrols, reviewed hours of surveillance footage, and used public awareness campaigns — including signs and verbal reminders from vendors — urging shoppers to protect their belongings.
Police are once again reminding the public to keep personal items in sight, wear bags across the chest, and avoid displaying valuables while in crowded public places to prevent theft.
