Pickpocket increasingly aggressive, the Eiffel Tower closed

Eiffel Tower, a popular tourist destination in Paris, which is visited by 22 million people per year, according to the data in 2014.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris was closed to the public on Friday (22/05) after an employee who works at the center of the tourist attractions on strike to protest against aggressive actions of the pickpocket.



The employees of the Eiffel Tower asked their superiors to take stern action against the criminals who now did not hesitate to threaten the physical attacks on employees and visitors.

An employee told AFP news agency says swarms of pickpockets-which usually consist of four or five parents accounted for around 30 groups in the tower complex.

He claimed to have been threatened when chasing a pickpocket. "He told me, if I was bothering him, then I have a serious problem," he said.

Visitors disappointed

Closure of the Eiffel Tower makes many visitors disappointed.

"Today is the only chance for my brother to visit the Eiffel Tower," said Tushar Kardile, London residents told AFP.

Kardile and his brother, who flew in from India, came to Paris, among others, to see the Eiffel Tower up close.

"We've already booked a ticket ... so yes we are certainly disappointed," said Kardile.

The company responsible for the security of the Eiffel Tower said they were working with the police to ensure the safety of employees and the tourists. (BBC)