Istanbul police use drones to catch pickpocket suspects and make arrests

Police teams in Istanbul launched an investigation after two separate pickpocket attacks in Fatih on 2 June and 10 June. Using drone‑assisted surveillance, officers tracked the suspects' parked motorcycle in Beyoğlu and arrested D. M., 25, and Ö. N. A., 21, on 12 June. The pair were linked to six pickpocket incidents across Fatih, Eyüpsultan, Şişli and Beşiktaş.

Searches of the suspects, their motorcycle and their residence recovered three stolen mobile phones, masks, gloves, numerous passports and identity cards, an unlicensed handgun with ten cartridges, and 107 narcotic pills. Both men were charged and placed in custody following a court appearance.