The oldest form of stealing that is continuously reinvented Pickpockets The oldest form of stealing that is continuously reinvented
What is it? Someone steals a valuable or money from your you In most successful pickpockets, the people don’t realize they are being victimized Most pickpockets work in teams to identify and distract victims
Places to avoid Pickpockets usually happen in crowded tourist areas where you will be in physical contact with other people. Subways, buses, trains, museums (Louvre) Places that are noisy so people can’t hear you yell Around ATM’s where people can see how much money you are bringing in.
Distractions A prostitute continually touching you on a busy street A fight erupts On beaches, someone acts like they are drowning to get someone to leave their valuables on a beach Very clever ways of getting your attention
Strategies Mug Money Wallet – carry 2 wallets One wallet is your real wallet, the other decoy wallet has expired I.D, cards you don’t use anymore and $20 dollars. Give away the decoy Carry wallets/valuables in your front pockets Carry money belts Use zippered pockets Avoid looking like a tourist – look and act like the locals Continually check to make sure all contents are with you Know how to say thief in their language!