HOW TO AVOID PICKPOCKETS

To avoid pickpockets, a traveler should first realize that pickpockets are present in every city. We have heard stories of spoiled vacations because the vacationers were victimized by these petty thieves.

When you travel be aware of this fact and avoid being victimized by them. Below are some tips and facts on how to avoid becoming a victim.

The "art" of picking pockets is among one of the world's oldest profession. Author Charles Dickens' Artful Dodger is probably among the best known pickpockets. However, all are not juveniles - and all are not males!

Profile of a Pickpocket

To avoid pickpockets we have to know that the skilled pickpocket is not the seedy character you'd expect to find lurking in a dark doorway. He (or she) appears about as average as you and I, in appearance and manner. Because they make a study of how to "blend" into the crowd, pickpockets usually remain undetected and can practice their activities with little hindrance.

Pickpockets follow no regular schedule. They operate equally well during daylight hours as well as at night. And if you have been led to believe that picking pockets takes place only in crowds, forget it! The only known fact is that they generally focused on the public during times when they might be carrying more money or valuables than usual, such as during pre-holiday spending sprees, store sales, at fairs, carnivals, horse races, gambling casinos, near bank entrances (or ATMs), etc. So, to avoid pickpockets, be extra careful when you have that extra cash with you during the above-mentioned occasions.

While many pickpockets work alone, there are also teams of two or three which sometimes involve a female accomplice. A team with nimble fingers is next to impossible to apprehend. The first team member removes the valuables from the unsuspecting victim's pockets. He then secretly passes them on to the next member who quickly disappears. When a female member is also employed, she generally engages the victim in conversation to distract or delay his attention.

A Pickpocket's Operating Procedure

To avoid pickpockets, we have to know how they operate. Contrary to what most of us think, experienced pickpockets do not place their hands all the way into the victim's pockets. Rather, the expert criminal reaches into the top of the pocket, takes a pleat in the lining, then makes a dozen or so tiny pleats, folding the lining with swift dexterity between his fingers. The shortened pocket lining moves the valuables upward so that they emerge at the mouth of the pocket. The entire act takes place in a second or so.

Measures You Can Take to Avoid Pickpockets

The best way to avoid pickpockets is to remove the opportunity of becoming a victim...

FOR MEN

• The target areas are back trouser pockets, and suit, coat, and sports jacket pockets, located inside and out. A pickpocket who values his freedom avoids front trouser pockets and especially buttoned or zipped pockets.
• If it is necessary to carry your wallet in an unbuttoned pants, coat, or jacket pocket, be sure it contains only what you can afford to lose. Keep large sums of money, credit cards, IDs, etc. in your front pants' pocket or any buttoned or zipped pocket; keys on a chain attached to your clothing.
• Never "pat" your pocket to see if your wallet is still there. This notifies the criminal of the location of your valuables.
• Larger size "pocket secretaries" are especially inviting to these thieves - and relatively easy to steal.

FOR WOMEN

• Do not carry your wallet in your purse. Conceal it in a coat or sweater pocket where it does not show a bulge.
• Use a purse that is difficult or time consuming to open.
• Never let your purse lie unattended on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart.

If you have been victimized by a pickpocket, immediately notify police and give the best description you can.

With so many things craving for our attention nowadays, it is easy to get distracted and give the thief the opportunity he/she is waiting for, and becoming a victim.

Be always aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe and hidden when traveling - most of the time, this is the best way to avoid pickpockets.

"An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure."

Now that you know how to avoid pickpockets, feel free to bookmark this page, or print it and refer it to your friends.

You might just be doing them a big favor.