Pickpockets are found on the streets of many cities, looking for prey that they are unaware of or unprepared for. Avoid being an easy target by following these guidelines.
Steps
Step 1. Dress so that you don't attract the attention of pickpockets
Some of the things that can make you a potential target are:
- Dress up like a tourist. If you appear conspicuously as an outsider, it is easier for you to be targeted, as tourists tend to be less aware and carry cash with them. The same goes for how you behave, looking at everything from tall buildings to statues to post-modern baskets.
- Wear very obvious jewelry or watches.
- Bring a very bulky bag, briefcase or backpack with you. Anything that could contain valuables makes you a target.
Step 2. Stay in well-lit and busy areas
Pickpockets are less likely to target someone if there is a high risk of being seen.
Step 3. Always know where you are going
Pickpockets often attack tourists or people who got lost. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar place, first study the path to take.
Step 4. Avoid the dangerous areas of the city
If possible, try not to venture into dangerous areas of the city, especially during the hours of the day when there are fewer people around. Areas with few pedestrians are particularly dangerous. If you are unsure, talk to a local to find out which places are unsafe.
Step 5. Walk showing a sense of security
If you wander casually or looking like a lost one, they are more likely to target you.
Step 6. Travel in a group
Pickpockets take it easier on individuals than groups.
Step 7. Go by bike instead of on foot
Moving quickly around the streets on a bicycle makes you much more difficult to approach than a pedestrian.
Step 8. Always be alert for possible dangers
You can minimize the chances of being caught off guard by doing the following:
- Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid getting distracted. You become an easier target when doing things like listening to music with headphones, talking on the phone, consulting a map, or anything else that takes your attention away from your surroundings.
- Walk to the edge of the curb, on the side where you see the oncoming cars. This avoids the risk of a car coming up behind you from which they can tear your bag, gives you a better view towards doors or alleys, and allows you a better escape route in case you are attacked.
Step 9. Take action if you sense danger or that you can be attacked
- If you feel that you are being followed, go straight to a busy area, such as a café, bar or other public place with a lot of people.
- Make noise or ask for help. Don't be afraid to get attention, quite the opposite.
- Consider defending yourself if you have the skills or have a weapon. The pepper spray, legal in some countries, can be a great deterrent and can be easily carried by anyone (make sure it's legal where you are, however). However, responding to an assault increases the risk of getting hurt.
Advice
- If you frequent high-risk areas, consider creating a "robbery wallet". Robbery wallets are very simple wallets with several fake credit cards and some change. If you are robbed, giving this wallet to the robber could satisfy him and give you a greater chance to escape or be left alone.
- If you are traveling, divide money, passport, other documents and credit cards in different places (e.g., a wallet, a money belt, and a briefcase). This way, if you lose one of these items, you won't find yourself lost without money and documents.
- If you get overwhelmed or can't escape, giving away your money or wallet right away can save you serious danger.
- Asking what time it is is the classic trick used by pickpockets to distract their victims and identify what they are worth. Looking down or putting a hand in your pocket makes you vulnerable to an onslaught. You can check the time, but without losing sight of your interlocutor.
Warnings
- Your physical safety (and that of others in your group) must be your top priority. If you are approached, giving what you have is a smarter move than countering your attacker.
- Make sure you don't wander around alone at night, being in a group is always a great deterrent.
