Bob Arno’s Travel Intelligence
Also see the travel advice given on ABC’s 20/20
And on the 20/20 Web Chat
Never be a victim!
Be safe from pickpockets
and street thieves. |
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©2000-2007 Bob Arno. All rights reserved.
No portion of this material may be copied or
distributed without express permission. |
Thoughts and Theory on Thwarting Thieves First understand:
Yes, it CAN happen to you.
Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t permit a stranger to move into your personal space.
If you’re in a crowd, be particularly aware of your valuables. Suspect bumps or jostles. They may be a distraction technique. Take your wallet out of your pocket. Carry your valuables (purse, wallet) in your hands close to your chest.
Women: keep your purse tucked under your arm, or let it hang in front of you rather than behind you. Keep your bag closed properly, and if it has a flap, wear the flap against your body. Never hang your purse on the back of a chair in a public place, where it’s out of your sight. Keep it on your lap. If you must put it on the floor, tuck the strap under your thigh, or put the chair leg through it. Keep your wallet at the bottom of your purse. More tips for women.
Men: Keep your wallet in your tightest pocket, and button the pocket if it has a button. Loose or gaping front pants pockets are easy for a thief. So is a wallet which protrudes from a back pocket. Wrapping a rubber band around the wallet makes it easier for a thief to remove.
In some cities, thefts are common by back-seat motor scooter riders. To avoid having your bag snatched by a passing thief, women should walk far from the curb and against the traffic.
Secure your fanny pack zippers with paperclips, or anything to slow a thief. |
Fanny packs are very safe if you secure the zippers, which are easily opened by practiced thieves. Use a safety pin, a paperclip fastened to a rubber band around the belt strap, or string. Anything to make opening the zipper more difficult.
Be kind to strangers, but keep a good grip on your valuables at the same time. Some pickpockets create devious scenarios to divert your attention or gain your confidence (hence: “con men”). Common ruses: “something dirty got on you, let me help you clean it off;” “I dropped my contact, help me.”
When traveling abroad:
Never carry more cash or valuables than necessary. Use a credit card for most purchases. You’ll save on currency exchange commissions, too.
If you must carry cash, wear a thin pouch under your shirt or inside your pants. Have a look at our VAULT under PANTS, a leather pouch that hangs from your belt inside your pants).
It is rarely necessary to carry your passport. Keep it locked up with your airline tickets, and carry a photocopy of the first page, instead.
Pickpockets can be men or women, children or grandmothers, pairs or gangs. They can be well-dressed, or dressed like a tourist (carrying map and water bottle). You will probably never recognize a pickpocket, but he or she will recognize you as a “mark.”
Would you know a pickpocket if you saw one? |
Dress down. Don’t attract thieves by looking like a wealthy tourist. And remember, the thief can’t tell your Rolex is fake or your jewelry is costume. Leave it in your hotel.
"The Flower Gift Lift." The women give a flower, ask for a donation, then stick their fingers in your wallet under their bouquets. |
Since you don’t know the customs in foreign cities, be on your guard if you are approached by a stranger. Even the innocent gift of a flower on the street can become a pickpocketing incident. Use caution with your friendliness.
If you have just been pickpocketed and the thief is still nearby, grab onto his/her arm and shout for police. Chances are good that your wallet will magically appear on the ground.
Read more in our book Travel Advisory: How to Avoid Thefts, Cons, and Street Scams. |
