I would like to add: keep your purse or camera right on your lap when you are dining or relaxing on a bench.

If you see someone eyeing you, give them a straight look so they know you are aware of them. Not too long but long enough to show you are savvy.

I learned these tips from living in Los Angeles!

Walk like you know where you're going.
Looking lost sets you up as a target.

chimani:

I've been traveling in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Great Britain since 1963. I've lived in Japan and Germany. I speak English, German, and Spanish. I studied history in college, and I continue that study into the present, in what is now my 71st year. I love learning about and experiencing cultures foreign to my own, and I resent the kind of unthinking stereotypes you present of me and my fellow Americans.

I have never been robbed, but my sister was, by a clever thief masquerading as a waiter, as we sat in a restaurant in Barcelona. Fortunately she had given me her passport and credit card to put in my money belt, so that all she lost was a camera which was in her purse.

All these suggestions make sense. Be on guard, be on guard. I'm curious exactly how these thefts took place. Mugged at the hotel check in counter? Weren't there lots of people around?

I've seen purse's w/ cable through the arm, do many thefts take place by cutting the purse or backpack strap?

Yes, purses are snatched by cutting the strap. Often by thieves on passing Vespas. But I don't like those bags with steel cords. If a thief tries to grab the bag in passing, you might get hurt.

Just keep your valuables in a money belt under your clothing.

To answer the question, only myself and the hotel employee were present when I was robbed/mugged. It was a small hotel and this was on a Sunday which was also May 1.
The thief also robbed the hotel employee, and the cash drawer. Although it was scary, I think it was a really isolated incident and I relate it here only to emphasize how important it is to always be on guard. Although in my case, there is not much I could have done to forestall the theft..

&gt;&gt; <i> I've seen purse's w/ cable through the arm, do many thefts take place by cutting the purse or backpack strap?</i> &lt;&lt;

Most thieves cut off the arm!

&quot;people who do not feel complete without their Louis Vuitton purses.&quot;

Well, that can be another problem. If one wants to advertise their wealth by carrying such or wearing thier best jewelry while traveling etc, then to some extent they might as well wear a sign that says &quot;rob me&quot;.

It helps to be low key and not look like you have anything worth stealing.Being discreet is another key to add to awareness.

Stay sober!

After five trips to Europe (and going on six years living in a big city), the only place I've ever been robbed is in Barcelona. It wouldn't have happened if I'd been carrying my purse sandwiched under my arm or slung across my body. I was holding it in my hand, and a moped rider snatched it away. (Expensive and traumatic) lesson learned!

Hi redwoodcitymom, I have been told more then once by Italian friends in Italy to NOT use a bag that has a cable inside the shoulder strap as if you do have your bag grapped you can be seriously hurt. Makes sense to me.

Dress conservative, pay attention to your surroundings, don't have important documents and all of your money and CC and ATM cards in your bag, and yes stay sober for heavens sakes, are all ways to protect yourself. Nothing is foolproof of course so all one can do is cut down on the chances of having a problem.
A good thread lincasanova!!

I've only had my pocket picked once - in Vegas at baggage claim, where Vegas pickpockets hang out (think about it) - because I violated one of my rules and had my wallet in a windbreaker pocket. (I'd already been to my hotel and had put almost all my cash in the room safe, so the thief didn't get much.) My rules are simple: I usually do NOT carry a wallet or a money belt. I keep 1-2 credit cards, photo ID (passport if traveling abroad), and enough cash for the day in a front shirt pocket that I can button (sometimes with a flap that buttons) and in front pants pockets - moderately tight pants. Nobody can get into your front shirt pocket without you knowing it and without you being able to avoid them. These are not panaceas but reasonable precautions. You do have to be careful about leaning over and losing things out of your shirt pocket. To get into front pants pockets it would take a double jointed pickpocket or one assaulting you from the front (which is possible in very tight crowds, like when you are standing in a crowded subway car). Granted, a passport will not fit in everyone's pockets, and many times you cannot carry everything you need for the day in pockets. If you carry a bag or purse or camera case - keep your maps, guidebooks, other bulky items in them. Having small digital cameras is a real boon - they now hand around my neck or in my pocket!

Hi Braunsky after the way we were robbed or mugged or whatever it was in Madrid, I believe it might be possible that someone steals from your front pocket.
The pushing comes from several sides out of the sudden you feel like a tool in their hands. I do hope you are right. Good luck.

Grazillia5b -I know it's possible, especially in a closely packed crowd, or if you're being bumped into from several directions. An unexpected hard bump or jostle is sometimes a sign you've just had your pocket picked. It's just much less likely that someone can covertly take something from a front pocket as opposed to a back pocket. My stomach and the front of my thighs are also more sensitive to touch than my usually numb posterior!

By the time you feel it and react, it's gone.

I was robbed (or so they tried) on the subway in Paris. I am not exactly a small guy, so there doesn't seem to be a stereotype they hit. I had a day, er...&quot;man&quot; bag with a zipper-front pocket on it that I noticed all of the sudden someone was going through. I was distracted, as the plan was intended by another person tugging on the leg of my pants.

When I realized what was going on (a few seconds), I became startled and immediately jumped off the train (the doors were still open). This turned out to be a good move, except for the fact my wife was still on the train. I had to basically yell at her to get her to get off the train. I then proceeded to make a scene, calling for the cops, which didn't help much, as the potential robbers got away on the train.

The upside to it all was that it's best to react but removing yourself from the situation as quickly as possible by shoving, jumping, running or any other means possible. The good news is that we got away and the bastards got NOTHING.

yeaaaaa mr biscuit!!!! congratulations! i love these success stories.

and yes.. they are all bastards.. or anything else you want to call them.