ひったくり

ひったくり
noun
purse snatching; snatch theft
1. purse snatching; bag snatching; snatch theft
The crime of grabbing someone's bag or belongings and running away, typically committed on the street. Also refers to the person who commits this crime.
ひったくり()った
I was the victim of a purse snatching.
バイク()ったひったくり(かばん)(うば)われた
A snatch thief on a motorcycle grabbed my bag.
Snatch thefts are frequent in this area, so please carry your bag on the side away from the road.

Usage

Can refer to both the crime itself and the person committing it. Derived from the verb ひったくる (to snatch away). A common street crime in urban areas, often committed by someone on a bicycle or motorcycle targeting pedestrians.

Common collocations

  • ひったくり() (to be a victim of snatching)
  • ひったくり被害(ひがい) (snatch theft damage/victimization)
  • ひったくり(はん) (snatch thief — refers specifically to the criminal)
  • ひったくり防止(ぼうし) (snatch theft prevention)

Similar words

  • スリ: pickpocketing — stealthily taking items from pockets or bags without the victim noticing
  • ()(): theft of unattended belongings — taking bags or items left momentarily