Frequent pickpocketing incidents have been reported near the Dhamma Yone bus stop on University Avenue Road in Kamayut Township, especially around Hledan Junction, according to YBS (Yangon Bus Service) commuters. Many passengers say they fear being targeted, while bystanders often remain silent out of fear of retaliation.

The pickpockets, often posing as office workers, mainly target mobile phones from commuters waiting for or boarding YBS buses, particularly lines 60, 14, 38, and 76. Complaints have been made to Kamayut Police Station, but passengers claim that no effective action has been taken.

Witnesses said incidents usually occur during rush hours — in the morning when people go to work and in the evening when they return. Victims include students, office workers, and postal service customers, most of whom are ordinary citizens.

A commuter shared that losing a phone means losing “a month’s salary” for many workers, along with important data and contacts.

In a related case on May 19, a 45-year-old man and his son were beaten and robbed on a YBS-58 bus after confronting a pickpocket who tried to steal from their bag. Police later arrested five suspects from Kyimyindaing Township, while one suspect remains at large.

Residents say pickpocket groups move between crowded bus stops when police increase patrols and that some bus drivers recognize them but are afraid to intervene. Many commuters are now calling for stronger police action to stop the growing wave of thefts in busy Yangon bus routes.