This is the moment frustration at rampant mobile phone theft on public transport system boiled over, as a group of women beat up a suspected thief who allegedly tried to snatch a young woman’s phone.

The incident happened at the Primero de Mayo station in southern Bogota, Colombia’s capital city, although the exact date is not known.

The man reportedly attempted to steal the mobile phone of a female passenger on the TransMilenio bus network before he was quickly surrounded and attacked by other women at the station.

Footage of the confrontation shows at least three women punching and kicking the suspect while others watch.

One of the women, speaking directly to a police officer during the incident, said: "Let us teach him with blows," apparentlt expressing her anger at the frequency of such crimes.

Mobile phone theft is a widespread issue across the TransMilenio system, with 4,573 cases reported in 2024 alone.

Thieves typically use a method called "cosquilleo" – a form of discreet pickpocketing that takes advantage of crowded conditions.

Police later detained the unnamed suspect, who was found in possession of the stolen device and is reportedly a repeat offender.

Authorities say 36 percent of people arrested for phone theft on TransMilenio are serial offenders, despite efforts such as the "Policia a Bordo" initiative, which places officers on buses and at stations.

The programme led to a 42 percent drop in mobile phone thefts in the first half of 2024, but the risk remains high, prompting locals to remain alert.