Pickpocket is a petty crime, but it certainly can ruin your vacation. If your phone, credit cards, identifications and money are stolen, you're left trying to put the pieces back together in a foreign country. But there are ways to combat the theft and keep your belongings safe so you can enjoy your travels without the additional hassles.
If you're hitting the road to any of the following cities, these destinations are on the top of the list for this criminal enterprise:
Barcelona, Spain
Rome, Italy
Paris, France
Madrid, Spain
Athens, Greece
Lisbon, Portugal
Florence, Italy
Venice, Italy
London, England
Amsterdam, Netherlands
It seems the bigger the destination, the more the pickpockets thrive. It makes sense though that more people = more money to the thieves. But don't sleep on the smaller towns just because they didn't make the list. An opportunist will take a chance wherever they can.
Not surprisingly, pickpockets LOVE tourists. The bigger the venue or the crowd, the more likely the pickpocket opportunity. Places like museums, beaches, street performances, iconic tourist attractions (think Eiffel Tower and Trevi Fountain), public transportation, restaurants /cafes, and ATMs are tops when it comes to locations for these thefts to occur.
There is likely a crush of people, so being bumped or jostled isn't out of the norm. Having someone stop and ask a question wouldn't be a surprise. And having teens in the area is unassuming. But all of these are part of the methods used to relieve you of your personal property.
So how can you avoid falling prey to this pickpocket scheme?
Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
I know it sounds common and way too simple, but sometimes that's your best defense.
In 2004 I was on a crowded bus in Rome and heard the zipper of my backpack being opened behind me. I turned to see the top of the pack open a few inches and the man behind me scurried off the bus. I didn't think anything at first, but then realized the problem, but he was long gone. Just being aware of the zipper sound saved a lot of trouble on that trip.
If it's a busy location, be more vigilant to keep an eye on your items, or place a hand more protectively over them. If you have a backpack or purse, swing it to the front to keep better control.
As a police officer for 30 years, I found so many opportunistic crimes could have been avoided with a little bit of common sense, pre-planning, and following your intuition.
Limit Distractions:
When you're out-and-about, keep your hands free and walk confidently. I'm sure you'll want to take pictures or check a map on your phone, but don't allow it to be in hands when not necessary or a distraction for you or a temptation for them.
Know the basics of your outing before you leave so you don't have to refer back so frequently to your phone or map. You can check when needed, but have an idea of your destination.
If a person who is lost or doing a survey tries to stop you, likely there is a second person trying to lift your belongings. You don't have to oblige their request; you can keep moving. Don't be too trusting.
Secure Your Property:
Keeping items in zippered pockets of your clothing can help you retain your items. Open pockets are an invitation for theft. Try finding "travel clothes" that have zippered and hidden pockets. Several companies have great clothes that will help protect your property -- Amazon, REI, Bluffworks are just a few.
Having a crossbody purse, fanny pack, backpack, or money belt -- with zippers -- that securely fits your body can help with quick thefts of the whole item and entry into the item due to open tops or flimsy magnetic closures.
Use a bag with a zipper closure or lock (even a small travel lock) so the item stays securely closed.
PacSafe and TravelOn have bags for men and women to help reduce instances of theft. They have RFID anti-theft materials, cut-resistant materials, and zipper locks on many items. These can be your best friend on a trip!
Don't Flash Your Cash:
Carry only the necessary items with you. Sounds basic, right? But often we think we need to carry it all.
Don't open a wallet with ALL of your cash and credit cards. Keep only what you need on-hand. If you have a purse/wallet and a money belt, divide your property between them so you don't lose it all in one theft.
Leave the expensive jewelry and watches at home or in the hotel safe. Don't showcase the bling and make yourself a target. Yes, having a few necessary and staple pieces is fine, but walking the streets with shiny baubles may not be in your best interest.
Be mindful when you're on public transportation or when walking through a city, not to showcase your phone. It can be easily snatched from your hands and they've likely already planned their get-away.
And NEVER give your phone to a stranger, asking them to take your picture. Even if they offer. It may seem innocent enough, but that's an invitation to theft!
So if you're jetting off to visit Europe, be a little savvy as you navigate the crowds and tourist areas. Be watchful, pay attention to your surroundings, and set yourself up for a great vacation!
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