Thefts, confusion and heavy police presence marked the opening of the Primark clothing store at the Colombo Shopping Centre in Lisbon on October 10.
Shoppers described the scene as “something out of an action movie” with police officers in strategic areas of the shopping centre, “creating a feeling of insecurity and tension”, as people tried to find their way to the new store.
A woman, who was a victim of theft inside Primark, told Sol newspaper: “I was having a look around when I noticed a pickpocket with his hand inside my bag. The man immediately fled the scene and I ran to a police officer for help.”
However, it was too late and the criminal made away with a watch the victim was carrying inside her bag and her friend’s wallet, which he had also managed to steal earlier.
Despite the large number of officers deployed, the scenario was one of chaos, with several thefts and arrests reported.
