Things Pickpockets Don’t Want You to Know

Slide 1Overview
When you’re travelling, it’s important to be aware that cunning pickpockets could
be watching you and sizing up how much of an easy target you are.
Keep your belongings safe, and make a note of the following points that will help
you to better understand how the pickpockets of the world operate.
They often
work in
groups
Usually, one of the gang will distract the mark, often with a fake tourist survey or
petition, or by ‘accidentally’ spilling something on them.
While the victim is distracted, their accomplice will take the opportunity to grab
items from unguarded pockets or bags, sometimes going so far as to cut through the
material of bags to access the contents.
They love busy
areas
The busier the area the better for pickpockets, so busy streets, public transport, and
enclosed spaces are places you'll want to be extra vigilant. These are places where
you'll be expecting to be jostled or bumped into, so you won't notice someone
doing so deliberately as much.
They move in
when you look
most
distracted
Another reason that pickpockets look for victims in high-traffic areas is that these are
usually areas of transition. If you get off a train in a city you’ve never visited before,
you’ll need time to adjust to your surroundings. That’s when pickpockets strike. People
are most disoriented when they move from one environment to the other. The extreme
example is walking out of a movie theater in the middle of the summer where you go
from low-light and loud audio to bright sunshine.
Don’t think
public
transportation
You may think the person next to you bumped into you because of the crowds, but he
could be trying to reach into your pocket. Keep your purse or wallet in front of your
body (front pocket or hanging across your stomach rather than your back) and keep
your hands firmly on the opening so you can feel anything that tries to get inside.
Be wary of
tourist
attractions
This may seem like an obvious tip for international travelers, but it’s worth
repeating. Pickpocketers prey on these parts of the city the most, as locals usually
tend to stay away from tourist attractions, and tourists in general have much more
cash or valuable possessions on them
Your clothes
giveaway
The stereotype is true: American tourists stick out like a sore thumb when they travel,
making them prime targets for pickpockets. Instead of throwing on a T-shirt to rep
your alma mater, try to dress like the locals. Nothing ever has large English words or
big American brands on them. Wearing outfits that shout, ‘HEY I DON’T LIVE
HERE,’ is asking to be stolen from.
Don’t be too
cautious
You already know that looking distracted and carrying valuables are moves to avoid, but
doesn’t being cautious prevent you from getting pickpocketed in the first place? Not
necessarily. Somewhat counter-intuitively, travelers can also make themselves more
vulnerable by being obviously over-protective of valuables. By constantly patting your
pockets to check on your wallet, you are signaling to very observant pickpocketers that
the pocket contains something of value.
They hang
around tourist
attractions
Pickpockets know that locals tend to stay away from tourist attractions, and
tourists tend to have more cash and valuables on them, making them easy targets.
Walking with purpose will make you look a little bit less of an easy target.
They can spot
tourist a mile
off
The stereotype that American tourists stand out wherever they go is true, and that
counts for people from other nations too. Try your best to dress like a local, and
ditch the large English slogans or obviously foreign brands.
They steal
more than
your cash
You may think carrying less cash and paying on a credit card is the way to go to avoid
having your money stolen, but these days you'll want to be vigilant when taking your
cards out too. Would-be thieves often snap pictures of your card numbers using a
high-res camera, which could be even worse than losing your cash. Try to avoid
completely exposing your card when you use it.
They prey on
your kindness
People are often willing to help each other out, and pickpockets will use this to their
advantage. An example might be if someone looks like they've dropped something
and you offer to help them pick it up, while a second pickpocket steals your
valuables while you're distracted
pockets
empty
A great way to avoid having your pockets picked is to have nothing in them in the
first place. Keep all your possessions in a closed bag instead
Zippers will
help protect
your things
Open bags are easy to reach into, so opt for one with a zip instead. Even better,
wear it across your body and keep your hand on the zip as you're walking around.
This will make it much more difficult for would be thieves.
They are
Europe
Eight of the top ten cities where you’re most likely to be pickpocketed are in
Europe. The top three are Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; and Prague in the Czech
Republic. Yet those stats shouldn’t dissuade you from traveling
They spy on
your wallet
Pickpockets don’t just look for easy targets; they look for lucrative ones. Try to
camouflage your wealth and your use of money. For example, when paying for
something, do not pull out a wad of cash and count it out.
They try to
make digital
steals, too
Carrying less cash in lieu of paying with a credit card seems like a natural defense
against getting your money stolen, but thieves are adapting to modern technology,
too. E-pickpocketers will try to steal your credit card numbers by waiting for you to
take out your card to make a purchase and snapping a picture of the numbers with a
high-res digital camera or camera phone.
They take
advantage of
nice people
Pickpockets prey on the fact that people are often willing to help others, and they’ll
use this to their advantage. For example, one pickpocket working as a team will drop
something that you’ll offer to pick up, while the second pickpocket uses the
distraction as an opportunity to steal your belongings. Be wary of any sort of help
you’re offering, since it may hurt you in the long run.
Souvenir
shopping
means
us
When you buy souvenirs on vacation, you probably buy some mementos for yourself
and some for friends and stuff them all in one bag. Odds are, that bag doesn’t have a
zipper or clasp at the top, which means any skilled hand could easily take out whatever
items are on top. If you can’t fit everything securely in one bag, it’s worth making a
second shopping trip.
strategy
Situational awareness as being aware of every situation you are in, looking for anyone
paying any unwanted attention to you, and understanding what’s going on 50 to 100
feet around the perimeter of your body at all times. The better you understand your
surroundings, the quicker you’ll notice someone or something out of place, including
any suspicious looking characters.
access
When travelling, the best way to avoid your most valuable items don't get stolen is to
not take them out with you in the first place. Leave things such as your passport
locked away in a hotel safe, along with any cash you don't need that day and a backup
credit card. The last thing you want is to end up stranded and penniless
Conclusion
Whether you’re traveling abroad or in a crowded U.S. city, cunning pickpockets
could be watching your every move. Here’s how to avoid becoming a target and
protect your belongings.