This just came via the Expat maillist. Wanted to let you know about the warning:
Just to let all know:
Both my wife and a friend of hers were targeted twice in so many days by pickpockets in Detski Mir. They cut open your purse and try to get stuff out. In both cases, they failed, but of course the purses are ruined and they didn’t have time enough to chase the pickpockets (who were women).
The book section on the first floor, or possibly any section that tends to be a bit busier, are the prime operating points.
Jos
Sunset Akademicheskaja