How to Recognize and Avoid a Pickpocket Attack
Imagine your self exploring the side streets of Rome, the narrow alleys of Bangkok, or perhaps navigating a chaotic bazaar in Africa.
All around you are fascinating sights, unusual smells, and exotic people.
As you gaze around, taking it all in, suddenly there is a commotion.
You are not sure what is going on but your attention is distracted for just a few seconds.
But that's all it takes.
You wallet is already gone.
This is a typical example of a pickpocket crime.
Unfortunately it is a very common crime.
It happens every day, all over the world, particularly to tourists and other travelers.
But a pickpocket doesn't have to ruin your trip.
If you prepare ahead of time it can be just another interesting travel story you can take home with you.
First, it helps to know common pickpocket tactics.
In my experience, pickpockets almost always work in teams.
This is because their most important tactic is distraction.
One or more people will do something to distract or confuse you.
Your attention will momentarily be diverted just long enough for someone else to reach into your pocket and take your belongings.
You won't see it coming and it will be over fast.
Usually the teams will choose a narrow or congested location.
The most common tactic is for one person to suddenly fall down or stumble into you.
Sometimes they will grab your legs.
Or maybe a small child will run out of nowhere and hug you.
These people are only there to divert your attention.
The actual thief simply waits until you are confused or distracted and then takes your wallet.
If a scenario like this happens to you, now you can recognize it for what it is, a set-up.
Your wallet will be gone before you notice it.
The odds are slim, but if you have any hope of recovering your wallet, don't worry about the kid on the ground holding your legs.
He will disappear in a moment.
Instead, look around for someone walking away as if nothing unusual just happened.
That person is the one with your wallet.
The thieves are very crafty.
You probably won't see it coming.
It is a much better strategy to plan for it ahead of time.
Leave your passport, cell phone, and most of your money back in the hotel, preferably in a safe.
Buy a cheap wallet, put a small amount of money inside it, and carry it as a decoy.
Hide your real money in a money belt or in an inside zippered pocket.
Another tactic is to cut a small slit in the hem of your waist band.
You can hide some emergency cash in there.
Remember the thief only has a few seconds to get what he is after.
He only has time to go after the easy targets.
Recognizing a pick pocket attack is not difficult if you assume any suddenly confusing situation is part of a set-up.
It is better to plan in advance for the likelihood that you will be the victim of a theft and leave your valuables somewhere safe.
Then you can go home and enjoy telling others how you were pick-pocketed on your vacation and all they got was a decoy wallet filled with Monopoly money.
All around you are fascinating sights, unusual smells, and exotic people.
As you gaze around, taking it all in, suddenly there is a commotion.
You are not sure what is going on but your attention is distracted for just a few seconds.
But that's all it takes.
You wallet is already gone.
This is a typical example of a pickpocket crime.
Unfortunately it is a very common crime.
It happens every day, all over the world, particularly to tourists and other travelers.
But a pickpocket doesn't have to ruin your trip.
If you prepare ahead of time it can be just another interesting travel story you can take home with you.
First, it helps to know common pickpocket tactics.
In my experience, pickpockets almost always work in teams.
This is because their most important tactic is distraction.
One or more people will do something to distract or confuse you.
Your attention will momentarily be diverted just long enough for someone else to reach into your pocket and take your belongings.
You won't see it coming and it will be over fast.
Usually the teams will choose a narrow or congested location.
The most common tactic is for one person to suddenly fall down or stumble into you.
Sometimes they will grab your legs.
Or maybe a small child will run out of nowhere and hug you.
These people are only there to divert your attention.
The actual thief simply waits until you are confused or distracted and then takes your wallet.
If a scenario like this happens to you, now you can recognize it for what it is, a set-up.
Your wallet will be gone before you notice it.
The odds are slim, but if you have any hope of recovering your wallet, don't worry about the kid on the ground holding your legs.
He will disappear in a moment.
Instead, look around for someone walking away as if nothing unusual just happened.
That person is the one with your wallet.
The thieves are very crafty.
You probably won't see it coming.
It is a much better strategy to plan for it ahead of time.
Leave your passport, cell phone, and most of your money back in the hotel, preferably in a safe.
Buy a cheap wallet, put a small amount of money inside it, and carry it as a decoy.
Hide your real money in a money belt or in an inside zippered pocket.
Another tactic is to cut a small slit in the hem of your waist band.
You can hide some emergency cash in there.
Remember the thief only has a few seconds to get what he is after.
He only has time to go after the easy targets.
Recognizing a pick pocket attack is not difficult if you assume any suddenly confusing situation is part of a set-up.
It is better to plan in advance for the likelihood that you will be the victim of a theft and leave your valuables somewhere safe.
Then you can go home and enjoy telling others how you were pick-pocketed on your vacation and all they got was a decoy wallet filled with Monopoly money.