Pick pockets may be a rare occurrence in larger U.S. cities but they are a huge problem in Europe. If you are planning on traveling abroad, one of the most important issues you need to consider is pick pocket prevention. If you are not familiar with pick pockets, you may not know exactly what you should be looking out for. In this blog, we will go over the most common tactics used by pick pockets, as well as how to avoid them.
The Helpful Stranger
You are approached by a stranger who wipes lint off your shirt. Half an hour later, you realize your wallet is gone. This “helpful” stranger distracts you with their friendliness so you don’t even notice a second person slip your wallet out of your pocket. If you notice someone you don’t know behaving too familiar with you, you should immediately be suspicious of them.
The Helpless Stranger
Alternatively, a pick pocket may act helpless in order to prey on your Good Samaritan instincts. They will ask you for help, maybe by asking for directions or perhaps falling in front of you. While you come to the aid of this person, another pick pocket is robbing you.
Delaying At Turnstiles
You are exiting the subway at a turnstile and the person in front of you makes a sudden stop so you run into them. The person behind you also bumps into you as a natural consequence. The person in front apologizes and tries again successfully, then rushes away. Later, you realize your wallet is missing. The person in front was distracting you while the person behind you grabbed your wallet.
Children Begging
Believe it or not, children are very commonly pick pockets, often wrangled by a criminal adult. You may find that you are suddenly surrounded by kids who are begging for money. They disperse as suddenly as they surrounded you, and you notice that your wallet has gone missing.
Bumping Into You
In the event of a pick pocket working by themselves, this is their most common tactic. They simply bump into you and slyly grab your wallet in the process.
Flash Mobs
If you are suddenly surrounded by a whole crowd of people bumping into you on the subway, leave as soon as you can. These people are about to pick pocket you, bumping into you every which way so you aren’t sure who is actually grabbing your wallet. They will leave at the next stop, and you will find yourself without any of your cash or credit cards.
Pick pocket Prevention Tips
Stay Alert
Keep aware of your surroundings. If you notice any of these tactics being used against you, don’t be afraid to tell them you know what they are doing. Don’t let the need to be polite make you susceptible to crime; thieves rely on your niceness to strike. If you are approached by a stranger who seems a little too friendly, or you are encircled by a group of kids, don’t hesitate to move away and say, “No!” in an assertive manner.
Blend In
Tourists are easy targets for pick pockets. This is because they generally carry a lot of valuables and are too busy taking in the new sights to notice. If you want to avoid being targeted by pick pockets, try your best not to look like a tourist. Avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewelry and dress in a nondescript manner. Try not to look like you are lost. Before you leave a destination, plan out your route, and walk in an assertive manner.
Money Belts, Men's Front Pocket Wallets and RFID-Blocking Wallets
One of the best ways you can prevent pick pocketing is ensuring that your money is not accessible in the first place. A Travel Money Belt is a great solution for this, keeping an ultra-thin WalletBe with your cash and cards close to your body, making it more difficult for pick pockets to get at your wallet. If a money belt is not your thing, all of our WalletBe Men's wallets are designed to wear in your front pocket. This also makes it more difficult for pick pockets to access. Additionally and unfortunately, pick pockets don’t only need to actually reach into your pocket to steal from you; some tech savvy thieves have started using RFID technology scanners to steal your credit card information without you even realizing. This is why it is smart to invest in an RFID blocking wallet. This way, you can rest assured that you have done everything in your power to protect your identity. Shop WalletBe for RFID blocking wallets today!
