justjean2001

What do people carry with them to feel somewhat more secure against pickpockets, thieves etc. I have always carried a whistle
but I'm sure others have other/better ideas.
I would love to hear from somone who actually had to put something to the test.

ira

Hi just,

I close my pockets with safety pins.

I used to carry a small air horn that I got from a boat supply house. It can be heard for a mile.

However, in over 30 yrs of travel, I have never used it.

Scarlett

my Yankee



sorry, I had to say it! I have never, whether when living in NYC or on trips carried anything for protection. I usually make sure I am not in a place that might be that risky. I have heard of people being pickpocketed on trains or in stores, how would one go about using their 'security blanket' ?

cmt

Nothing. But I wear shoes that won't fall off if I have to move fast, i.e. not slides.

Kayb95

I don't carry anything, but stay aware of my surroundings, keep my handbag or backpack securely fastened and don't carry anything I can't afford to lose.

degas

I use my elbows and knees to ward off pickpockets and assorted scumbags. A well placed thrust usually results in a high pitched whine as they limp off to thier rat holes.

OneWanderingJew

I have combo locks on my backpack but that's about it. I grew up in NY (for whatever that's worth) and just try to stay alert. If I'm getting on/off a train or am in a really crowded area, I carry my backpack w/the zippers against my body. I don't, however, carry it across my chest. I feel that makes me look like a dork and stand out as a definate tourist.

I have one of those under-the-clothes type wallets but they're sticky when it's hot so I pack it every trip but never end up using it.

So far, I've been lucky. I had one near-pickpocketing incident in all my travels (while in a really nice, uncrowded area of Buenos Aires where I had let my guard down) but fortunately they didn't get anything.

Patrick

I carry my wallet in my front pocket. I used to put a fat rubber band around it -- something I read about which makes it difficult for someone to pull it out of the pocket. I stopped doing that because it was too hard for me to pull it out of my pocket. The main thing I carry is an awareness of my surroundings.

happytourist

The best thing you can do for your own security is to always be aware of people around you. Remember, pickpockets don't look like scum--you would clearly avoid them. They look like ordinary people so they blend in easily. Watch especially in train stations for people who aren't carrying bags, are wandering around a lot, and who don't make eye contact.

elaine

Hi
I'm a New Yorker and I'm pretty used to feeling comfortable and alert at the same time. I've never been a crime victim. I don't use security wallets or neck pouches, though feel that each person should do what makes them comfortable. I carry a deep totebag with internal zippered compartments, and carry cash, credit card(s) in separate compartments or leave what I don't need back in the hotel room safe. I don't leave ticket or payment windows until I've put my wallet or card away properly. I try not to look confused or distracted; if I need a minute to consult a map or gather my thoughts, I sit down somewhere or step into a doorway, and organize myself.

Once in Rome I was being approached by two waifs carrying a sign. I firmly waved them away, and walked away myself.

suze

elaine spelled that out really nicely!

i don't take anything special myself. but am organized with a small leather pocketbook worn close to my body, and try to keep my wits about me. don't tempt fate by being in a questionable neighborhood after dark, getting lost, etc.

i think you cause youself needless worry anticipating trouble which most likely will not happen.

many people who have had something stolen readily admit to their own inattention (setting down a backpack on a park bench, leaving bags unattended, valuable left in a hotel room).

subcon

i'm male and i carry 1 visa (atm), 1 amex card, my drivers lic., a copy of my passport and health insurance and about 100E in an ultra thin businees card sized wallet stuffed into the top of well elasticised over the calf socks.

it would be a bold thief indeed who would get on his knees and reach up my trouser leg to get at these.

i also carry about 20E in my front pockets and my map in the rear.

adoptionisfab

When I am out, I take only a little cash and a credit card. When going out of the country I bring 2 credit cards, ATM card, Passport and nothing else not even my drivers license. If I get pick pocketed at least the thief will not get much and I will not have a high level of aggravation. I also never take jewelry.

SiobhanP

I am with Elaine. I used to commute into Downtown NY every day and started to get a routine with my stuff. I Always had an emergency $50.00 hidden is a part of my huge "commuting" bag. Wallet was in one part and different cards in different parts even usually had my monthly train ticket in my suit jacket pocket. This was so that if one thing was taken you had a fallback. we all did this an it is a pretty good standard to use in any city in my experience.

Underhill

I find myself wondering why there is so much concern about pickpockets and thieves. Is this a real problem or just a perception?

Judy_in_Calgary

I like Subcon's idea of securing a thin wallet to his leg. However, I'm a woman and sometimes wear a skirt, so that wouldn't work for me.

I wear Tilley pants and skirts that have a secret pocket, i.e., a pocket within a pocket that is secured by velcro or a zipper. I have been in situations in which it has not been possible to leave my passport in a hotel safe, e.g., while catching a train from one country to another. I have carried my passport and two credit cards in my secret pocket, and this always has felt comfortable to me.

I also photocopy my passport, credit cards and any other important documents before I leave home. I give one set of photocopies to a trusted person back home, I give one set of photocopies to my husband, and I keep another set of photocopies with me, but stored separately from my passport and credit cards. My husband does the same thing, i.e., leaves a set of photocopies of his important documents with a trusted person back home, gives one set to me, and carries a set himself.

adoptionisfab

If you go to Amsterdam and other parts of Europe there are signs everywhere to be aware of pickpockets.

Judy_in_Calgary

>>>>>>I find myself wondering why there is so much concern about pickpockets and thieves. Is this a real problem or just a perception?<<<<<<

It is a real problem, not just a perception.

Even here in Calgary, which has a low crime rate, thefts occasionally do take place.

Local friends of ours had their camera bag (with camera, extra lens, film, etc.) stolen at Calgary Aiport, on their return from a European trip. In hindsight they realised it must have happened when they were hugging and kissing their adult children who had come to collect them from the airport. During the couple of minutes that they all were distracted by greeting each other, someone must have lifted the camera bag from their luggage cart.

My husband's cousin, who was a flight attendant and was a passenger on a leisure flight, had her wallet stolen from her carry-on luggage while she was in the toilet. She became aware that her wallet was missing while she still was in the air. She suspected that the guy who was sitting next to her had stolen it. She asked the flight attendants to question him, but they refused to do anything about it.

If my husband and I are travelling together, he watches my carry-on luggage while I go to the toilet. If I'm flying alone, I take my travel wallet that has my essential documents and money with me when I go to the toilet, or I have my passport in my secret pocket. I did this even before my husband's cousin had that experience.

I also know people who have been pickpocketed at their destinations and others who have had valuables stolen from their hotel rooms.

BlueSwimmer

I carry a small Eagle Creek purse on a long strap that goes across my body and hangs in the vicinity of my pelvis. I figure that if anyone is about to touch me in that region I will go on hyper alert. In really crowded situations I can easily shove it into the front of my pants (making me look like I have a horrible figure, of course, but at least keeping my money and credit card safe.)

I also carry a small compass (fits discreetly in the palm of one hand) in my pocket so that I can walk confidently in roughly the right direction when I emerge from doorways or metro stops.

LoveItaly

Judy, flying alone does present a problem when one needs to use the WC. I only bring a carryon with me on the plane. Pack purse in check in luggage.

That is great - except when flying alone. So I found a zippered case that holds my wallet and passport etc. Take that out of my carryon and take this case to the w.c. with me.

When traveling, especialy alone it is think, think, think, LOL.