A common concern for travelers is the dreaded pickpocket. The pickpockets are skilful and the tourist is their usual target. You’re at risk in places where there is a lot of people like tourist attractions or public transport.
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Tactics
Pickpockets use a variety of tactics such as:
Approaching you and begging for money
If someone approaches you asking for money, put your hand up in front of their face and say “No!” or “Go away!”
Children surround you in a group
Out of nowhere, a large group of children surround you. While one is distracting you, the other is robbing you. Use the same method, put your hand up in front of them and tell them to “Go away!”
You see a person trip or fall
You’re helping the person who has tripped, another pickpocket goes to work taking your money and belongings.
Someone coming too close holding a piece of cardboard
This is a common tactic to place a piece of cardboard against your back while feeling for a money belt. The cardboard is a shield to block what is occurring underneath.
An individual pointing at money on the ground
Someone approaches you pointing at money on the ground and ask if it is yours. Ignore them. Another distraction technique so they can rob you.
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To minimize the risk of being robbed by a pickpocket, take these precautions:
Be aware of who is around you
Be aware of your surroundings. If someone comes too close and invades your personal space, be careful.
Trust your intuition
Always trust your intuition. If it doesn’t feel right, then is usually isn’t. Take action quickly if you sense danger.
If you don’t need it, don’t bring it
Don’t bring it if you don’t need it. This goes for money, credit cards, passport, jewellery, and your belongings. You may lose everything if robbed and be in a bad situation.
Bring just enough money for the day and one credit card only. Traveling in a country that requires you to have a passport with you? Make a color printed copy of your passport and keep this handy.
Carry your bag of backpack in front of you
Whatever bag you are carrying, carry it in the front of you. Wear small bags across your chest or stomach. On a crowded place like a train, hold onto the bag with both hands for extra security.
If carrying a bag, zip it up
When carrying a bag or purse, make sure you use the zipper and close the bag. An open bag is an invitation for a pickpocket to place their hand inside.
Avoid placing your bag on a seat next to you or on the ground under the table
Hold on to your bag and avoid placing it on a seat next to you or on the ground. While you are eating and distracted, a thief has the perfect opportunity to snatch your bag.
Don’t use an ATM in a busy tourist area
Avoid using an Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) in a tourist area as this is a common place for pickpockets to gather.
If you have to use an ATM, watch who is behind you at all times and make sure you use your hand to cover the Personal Identification Number (PIN) keystrokes.
Try using these strategies next time you travel, and you will avoid being the pickpocket’s next victim.
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Linda is an Amazon author, writer and travel blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
