Sadly, pickpocketing is a part of life. It happens, and it stinks when it does. There are a lot of great pickpocketers out in the world. More than 400,000 cases of pickpocketing occur every day all around the world. However, there are a lot of strategies and signs you can look for to avoid being left empty handed the next time you’re out and about.
First, simply being aware of your surroundings is a general recommendation when traveling, but it is also an important part of keeping all of your belongings safe. Large cities with a booming tourist industry are far more likely to be hotbeds of pickpocket activity. Europe is especially prone to this type of theft. There are spaces within cities where you have a greater chance of falling victim to a pickpocket. Densely populated areas where people are distracted or in a hurry are prime areas. Public transportation, bars, beaches, and museums are just some places pickpockets tend to find their targets.
Leave all your valuables at home. Flashy or fancy things attract attention and make you a target for pickpockets because they see you have nice things.
Keep your things in your hands. If you have a purse, clutch your purse. The same goes for backpacks. Having it in your hand shows you are aware. You also have a better feeling of what is going on with your things. Having a hand on your belongings gives you leverage to hold onto what is yours. If you have a wallet make sure it is secure in your front pocket as front pockets are tighter and harder to steal from. Never leave your wallet in your back pocket or a side cargo pant pocket!
There are purses and backpacks made out of cut resistant material. Some pickpockets are bold and will cut your belonging right off of you. If the material is cut resistant, they will have a hard time taking the item from you.
Keep an eye out. If you have a funny feeling, look around. Someone moving quickly with determination through a crowded area and no belongings could be someone in a hurry; it could also be someone trying to steal and get away quickly. This also means you should try to not become to engaged with your phone while out and about as you are more likely to be a target and not notice your surroundings.
Try to never look lost. People are vulnerable when they are confused. It is ok to be lost but don’t lose your cool. Pickpockets like to take advantage of people when they are weak or vulnerable under the guise of being a kind stranger. Having confidence in your walk and stance communicates a great deal to the people you don’t even notice watching you.
There are tons of ruses pickpockets use to take your attention away from your belongings. Some work alone, and others work in pairs. The most important thing is to always be aware of your surroundings and your own person. It is harder to be the victim of a pickpocket when you are constantly paying attention to everything going on around you.
