Have any of you been pick pocketed? what's the best way to avoid becoming a victim?

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BizTravelMan

One tip is to take an old wallet with you and fill it with expired credit cards and cards that look like credit cards. Then place a load of assorted notes (rubbish money, like old Brazillian cruzados or other such) in it with a few real 1 dollar bills to make it look good. If you are mugged you can then freely give this wallet away and will help stop muggers searching further.

Sean S

I'm no expert, but here are a few common sense tips:

Don't wear a backpack in crowded places. My mom was wearing one on a subway in DC, and her phone got stolen. The pockets on the back are incredibly easy to get into and out of.

Keep whatever you're carrying in front of you. If you can see it, it's pretty safe.

Zippers are your friends, especially multiple ones. They take more time to open, and make noise when they are opened.

Just some thoughts.

harpy

Attach you wallet to a beaner (those clips rock climbers use) and if its winter, buy one of those coats that has the metal-lined holes (you know, the ones you put the clasps in). Attach the beaner to that and zip/button/clasp up the coat with the wallet on the inside. People won't even be able to see it.

Big Momma Carnivore

Keep your wallet in the front pocket or in a money belt under your clothes. This is not a big problem in NYC. They tend to take the direct approach and mug you instead.

thatoneguy

Don't let people bump into you!

SillyQuestion

I've seen it happen on the train. I wasnt really sure what was going on until after it was over.

Two guys got on the subway and crowded up against a woman. this isn't all that unusual when the train is full, but it wasnt. The woman wasnt really paying attention, you get used to people being right near you. Then they hopped off the train just before the doors closed. She then noticed they had opened her purse and take out her wallet. The train had left the station, so there wasnt anything she could do.

Moral of this story, is pay attention to your surroundings. Make sure your valuables are secure, and keep an eye on them. If someone is acting odd, chances are there's a reason.

couchP56

No but I have had my house robbed.

John M

Put a log chain on your wallet.

Wite Out

be aware of your surroundings.
Dont have your personal belongings such as a wallet or keys in your pocket that is shallow.
If you have a purse, dont leave it open even if it is laying on your shoulder or you are holding it.

I've never been pickpocketed.

purple_person

Bring cards not cash. And keep it where you can see the wallet or purse. Use one with like things on the zippers so that you can hear. And by the way that was all common sense!

Global Geezer

Get a money belt and attach it to you with a large paper clip on either side. Only take out as much money as you can afford to lose. Take off your backpack when travelling on metro systems, and carry it in front of you. Always keep your wits about you in favourite pick pocket haunts (cafes, restaurants, burger bars, metros, markets, watching pavement artists when crowds gather, and a big favourite...internet cafes).

Thieves often work in pairs or in gangs. One may distract your attention by asking you the time or to translate something, whilst the other swipes your wallet from your pocket. I'm not saying this to make you paranoid, just aware of what can happen. Most people go abroad, and visit places without any incident at all.

A gang may surround you in a dimly lit area,one may swipe your wallet, throw it around a couple of other gang members, and get it to a fast 'runner' who gets away with your valuables. Seek local advice as to where NOT to go when you are traveling.

Finally, if you are at a table and have taken your bag off, loop the straps around the chair leg, draw the bag round the front of the chair, and rest your foot against it. I got pick pocketed in Lisbon last year, and I learnt from the experience.

I have recently been to Barcelona (capital city of petty crime) taking all of the above advice. Even though there were bag thefts around me, I didn't become a victim.

Thieves are lazy opportunists. Make things hard for them and they won't even try and rob you.

â™¥ missing a soldier in Iraq â™¥

i have been to nyc tons of times and i have even walked alone (in popular areas of course and not at night) and i have never had a problem with anyone.

cuteteddy761

Keep ur valuables in ur front pocket, or in some bag etc u r carrying.
Never in ur back pocket.

nicekrngirl

fortunately, i've never been pick pocketed. always keep your stuff in FRONT of you especially when you're on the train. meaning, front pocket, keep your bookbag/purse in front of you so you can keep an eye on it and obviously if it's in front, it's less likely for you to be a target. keep all zippers zipped that have belongings in it.

i don't know if you do or not but i wouldn't carry my social security card on me, ESPECIALLY the original one (it's a pain to replace). if you MUST carry one, carry a copy, but i REALLY wouldn't carry it.

good luck!

Alex

nope never have, best way to avoid it is yell every 20 secs "no get away from me or i'll call the cops." everybody will think your crazy but nobody will rob you

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