When traveling, there is always a risk of losing your belongings due to pickpockets. To avoid such troubles, you need to know how these scammers operate.
Work in groups
Perhaps you thought that pickpockets walk alone. This is not true. Most often, thieves work in groups. One person distracts a passer-by with a question or, as it were, accidentally spills liquid on him, while the other steals money.
High traffic areas
It is easy for pickpockets to steal in crowded places. Here, everyone expects a collision, so they will not pay attention to light shocks or touching.
Pickpockets are waiting for you to be distracted
Pickpockets often look for victims in busy places where transport stops. Tourists who come to the city for the first time need time to orient themselves. Pickpockets use these moments.
Transport is not safe
You may be thinking that if you get on the transport, then you can relax. This is not true. There is always a risk of theft on a crowded subway. For example, a person standing next to you may not accidentally collide with you, perhaps he wanted to get into your pocket.
Historical landmarks
Locals rarely visit such places, but tourists are there all the time. Fraudsters love to be there, because travelers are bound to have valuable things and a lot of cash.
Stand out
There is a stereotype that clothing betrays tourists. It's true. This factor attracts scammers. Don't try to dress up, rather dress like the locals.
To be too afraid of theft
Of course, it is important to remain attentive and not take valuable things with you, but you should not be too afraid of theft, this will make you more vulnerable.
Cities with pickpockets
Perhaps, three cities occupy the leading positions in terms of the risk of robbery: Rome, Barcelona and Prague. However, this factor should not prevent you from going there.
Keeping track of the wallet
Pickpockets don't want easy targets, but lucrative tourists. Therefore, do not show all your funds, do not consider a wad of money in plain sight.
Digital theft
It would seem that the best way to protect against theft of funds is to pay by card. However, pickpockets have adapted to this too. They are waiting for you to pull out the card to take a high-resolution photo of it with a camera.
Take advantage of kindness
Pickpockets know that a lot of people will help, so they play on it. For example, one pickpocket dropped something, a passing person offers to help collect it, and at this time another thief takes the opportunity to steal something.
Souvenirs
Tourists buy souvenirs for themselves and their friends and usually put everything in one bag. If this bag does not have a zipper or a clasp, any thief can take the items that lie on top.
Attention to the situation
You must clearly see what is happening around you in the area of 15-30 meters and follow every person who pays attention to you.
Do not put in your pockets
Putting things in the front pockets reduces the risk of theft; if you leave the pockets empty, the risk disappears completely.
Lightning as protection
Always opt for zippered bags, which makes it harder for pickpockets to steal your belongings. Always carry your bag over your shoulder and hold on to the zipper in crowded places. So it will be difficult for thieves to steal something.
Fool pickpockets
If you have to travel in the subway, where the crime rate is high, then prepare a wallet with expired cards. It will be like an additional distraction object. If scammers bother you and demand money, you just give them this wallet.
Things against thieves
Buy special jeans with deep pockets. They also have secret pockets where you can put your valuables.
Do not take things that can be stolen
Take only the essentials on your trip, and if you are going for a walk, it is enough to take your identity document and some cash.
