Daylight Attack: Criminals Rob Lottery Sellers of Tickets and Earnings

Lottery ticket sellers in Panama face a constant threat of insecurity, with robberies and thefts occurring frequently as they ply their trade on the streets. A recent incident underscored this vulnerability when two hooded assailants violently robbed two lottery sellers of their earnings and ticket boards in broad daylight. Video footage captured the distressing event, showing one seller attempting to seek help from a nearby business as the criminals fled.

Fernando González, the general secretary of the Panamanian Lottery Sellers Union, expressed deep concern, stating that such incidents happen almost weekly. He highlighted the pervasive insecurity in the country, noting that some sellers are even targeted and followed by criminals seeking to steal entire books of tickets. This poses a significant financial burden, as sellers are reportedly forced to cover the cost of stolen tickets from their own pockets.

The union has appealed to the National Lottery of Beneficence (LNB) for assistance, requesting that the LNB promptly provide information on stolen ticket books when sellers file reports. This cooperation, they argue, would aid authorities in their investigations. González also warned about opportunistic thieves, known as "cancheros," who exploit any moment of distraction to steal tickets and cash.

The sellers are demanding enhanced security measures and institutional backing to conduct their work without becoming targets. They seek to operate safely, free from the constant fear of becoming victims of crime.