Venice creators spark violence after targeting pickpockets with red spray

A group of social media creators, including Filipino YouTuber Mervin Hunter and English videomakers Dje Media, have sparked controversy in Venice by targeting suspected pickpockets. The group’s method involves identifying individuals they believe are thieves in crowded areas and marking them with red spray paint or water pistols to make them easily identifiable to the public and police.

The initiative has led to significant physical confrontations in areas such as Rialto and Piazzale Roma. These encounters escalated into violent clashes involving pepper spray, stones, chairs, and glass, occasionally involving bystanders including elderly people and children. Some reports indicate that suspects used children as shields during the altercations.

Local authorities have condemned the actions. Venice Security Councilor Francesca Zaccariotto stated that such spontaneous actions risk worsening the situation, suggesting that citizens should instead report crimes to law enforcement. While the creators aim to raise awareness, officials expressed concern that these vigilante-style tactics could turn city streets into battlegrounds.