SAnParis

The biggest problem to me, is that you are in fact advertising that you are a tourist waiting to be fleeced. One of the keys to NOT being a target is to blend in. One of those (regardless of the term you use) will do just the opposite.

GeoffHamer

Whatever you wear, don't call it a fanny pack. "Fanny" has a different meaning in Britain, and any British people will think you are uncouth or laugh at you.

bugswife1

I grew up in NYC too and feel that I am pretty savvy. However, I was almost the victim of a pickpocket in Barcelona. Had a shoulder bag (closed) and was busy watching the fountains at Montjuic (sp?). As all of us tourists oohed and aahed at the pretty lights, 3 or 4 young men were working the crowd. They came up behind me, one of them with his hand under a small checked towel and tried to reach into my bag. Luckily I had read the 20 or so threads on this board warning of the abundancy of pickpockets in Spain and was fine tuned in to the jostling. I consider myself lucky. The would be theives, however, would not have been. I only had 5 bucks and some gum in there. My husband holds most of the cash in his wallet, in his back pocket that buttons closed. He would feel someone back there in a second.

By the way, Wifeybug, how did you come up with that name?

francophile03

Regarding your husband's wallet that he keeps in his buttoned back pocket, I have heard that really good pickpockets could get that wallet without your husband even knowing it.

ira

Hi wife of bug,

My policeman friend tells me that the back trouser pocket is the easiest one for a thief to remove hubby's wallet from.

Bump up against mark. Use razor to cut button and pocket along outline of wallet. Remove wallet. Say "excuse me".

wpcx2

Do you use one of these ugly things at home? Didn't think so. You should carry a purse (if you're female) or your billfold. Leave passports and plane tickets in the hotel's safe but take a copy of passport - I even put copy in my luggage. Don't worry. Enjoy.

Patrick

I'm a big believer in a man's wallet being in his front pocket. I used to put a wide rubber band around it, which totally made it impossible for a theft to remove (it sticks to the pocket and won't slide out). But it annoyed me so much that I could never get my own wallet out, that I gave that up. I've been the attempted victim of pickpockets going for that pocket three times (apparently they had seen me put the wallet there.) In all three cases I knew what they were attempting and stopped it.

omalley

For me, wearing one of those ugly things is for comfort. When I am walking around touring a city for 8 hrs or more, a shoulder bag starts to get awfully uncomfortable.

jettagirl

i'd like to know someone's opinion on a small backpack used to carry camera, maps, journal, waterbottle etc while my husband carries the money, passports, etc in a money purse under his shirt. Are cameras a target for pickpocketers generally? It just seemed like a small backpack would be easier to carry around all day than a purse and I would never ever think of wearing a fanny pack. The name alone scares me.

Bitter

What a range of opinions, logic and personalities! A fanny pack, purse, wallet in the back pocket may be safe. The question is "if stolen, how will that affect your travels?" If a theft will screw up your plans, as it would mine, you may want to take additional measures. This isn't about how much $$ you have, or how you might travel in your home country. As for using a fanny pack, do what is comfortable. Whether you have your camera in the fanny pack or around your neck, you will look like a tourist, so who cares?!

ira

Hi jetta,

Backpacks are fine as long as someone is watching your back.

If the zipper can be easily opened, it is not safe on crowded metros or buses.

nytraveler

Well, I really don't understand why it should be different than in your home country. It's Europe - not Mars for heaven's sake! Just like at home, be aware, be alert, walk briskly and with decision, don't dawdle or look confused, or stand in the center of a crowd pulling out maps - or let strange people with towels over their hands approach you. (I mean pickpocket is the least offensive option for that guy!) After all, what's the worst that can happen? Someone gets a little cash or a credit card? You cancel the card (no loss) and write off the cash and start tomorrow fresh. Hopefully trying to look a little less like the weakest gnu in the herd.

Bitter

nytraveler: Mars might be easier, now that it is a US colony (just a little joke for all of those who think the US is empire-building).

SuzieC

These 'back belts' are simply unattractive. and yep..do scream to others I'm a tourist..I'm a tourist!!!
So, maybe there are "others" that think, steal steal...
anyway, how come MOST natives in any big city don't wear them if they are so secure and handy?? I don't see any well dressed, reasonable looking ladies wearing them where I live for a day out and about... why would one wear them to visit someplace else? I don't get it..

RDixon

To those who suggest to leave passport in hotel safe-I thought you were supposed to carry it around with you all the time. What's the story?

mrwunrfl

RDixon, obviously you are supposed to take all of your valuables with you. It makes it much more convenient for the thieves when you have it all together in one place.

Peggy_D

The one and only time I have been pickpocketed was on a crowded bus in Rome, and yes, I was using a "fanny pack" worn in front. But it wasn't the pack's fault as much as it was mine--I let my guard down for a moment and took my hands off the pack while I turned to talk to some friends. I now carry a shoulder bag that is probably not as "safe" but I've learned keep my hands on the opening anytime I am in crowds, and I put valuables (ATM, etc) in the inside zipper pockets. Nothing will stop a real pro, of course, but European cities are no different than major US cities in this regard. Just stay on guard when in crowds (like, when looking at "David" or the Mona Lisa, or riding in crowded buses or subways, etc)---but that is good advice no matter where you are traveling.
p.s. My husband uses a money belt that he says is comfortable. It is a small, flat pouch with a loop on the end that your belt slips through, then you tuck the pouch into your pants waistband.

nytraveler

Unless you plan on being arrested there is no need to carry your passport around with you. It's purpose is to prove who you are for crossing international borders - not at every restaurant or shop. By all means put it in the hotel safe.

ira

Hi RD,

Many people leave their passports with the management in the hotel safe and carry a copy of their passport's first page in case of emergency.

BTilke

Along these general lines, a new tactic has emerged on Brussels trains and the Thalys--the police have issued several warnings, which is not usual.
The dodge:
Several people board a train and pretend to take seats. They are well dressed and look like anybody else--you would have no reason to think they were criminals. At the last minute, just before the doors close, they shout "we're on the wrong train!" and make a rush for the exit. They surround a passenger (or two), pretending to be trying to get by. What feels like ordinary pushing to get by in a hurry is actually a VERY smooth pickpocketing scheme. It has caught numerous commuters, including some pretty high level EU diplomats.
Remember, these thieves are VERY good at what they do. The Belgian police described some of the training tactics the pros go through--like practicing opening purses, etc., that are closed with razor blades.
The victims are NOT just tourists or people who are unaware of their surroundings. Even savvy locals can get nailed. So if you are pickpocketed, do NOT, under any circumstances, get caught up in a "blame the victim" or "I deserved it" mentality. Report the crime, for record keeping purposes if nothing else--if the stats mount up at a certain station, security gets improved. Your report could help prevent future thefts even if you don't get your money, ID, etc., back.