How to prepare for pickpockets?
 

We will be traveling in London & Paris in July and want to get some tips on how to carry money/credit cards/map/camera, etc. so that it is safe from pickpockets. I'm sure someone has come up with a sure-proof way of handling this so I don't have to start over! Appreciate your help!

I don't think you are going to find a consensus about this subject here, as there seems to be a good deal of passion about the subject on this board. The following is just my own approach to the subject:

Moneybelt: I always wear a moneybelt, tucked uder my clothes. I keep my passport, credit card, and money in the moneybelt, except for perhaps 50 euros spending money for the day, which I keep in my pocket, since it wouldn't hurt much to lose if I were caught offguard by a pickpocket.

Camera: I carry my camera either in my purse or in a backpack, along with maps, travel books, etc.

Purse: I carry a messenger-type bag (with a flap covering the opening that can be fastened) with a strap I can wear across my body, less easy for a purse-snatcher to make off with and it leaves my hands and arms free, so I'm less likely to absented-mindedly set down to pick up something to look at in a shop. If you carry a purse, however, be aware of it every minute! I tried to do that in Barcelona, and yet a very talented thief, posing as a waiter, managed to lift my purse (containing camera only) from my lap while I was dining in an outdoor restaurant. Do not put your purse on the floor beneath your seat, or, if you do, loop the strap under a chair leg.

Don't let it make you crazy or ruin your trip being onguard. These are the same precautions I follow in any big city in the US.

Map?! What are they printed on, gold leaf?

Anyway: passport, ticket home and credit card in belt under clothing. iPAQ, transport pass and $100 in local cash in front pants pocket.

Camera: 35mm over the shoulder, or digital in the pocket.

Mary_Fran: if he took your purse from your lap, he must have been really slick (it wouldn't be very charitable of me to mention the other possibility).

Also check our this current thread running on the subject of moneybelts:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34789243

Robespierre, I swear I did not feel or see a thing! He WAS quite handsome and charming, however, and it had been a while since I'd had the attentions of a beautiful young Spaniard ... My first suspicion was aroused when he left our table and rather hurriedly disappeared around a corner of the building. Because of the way he acted, I felt in my lap for my purse and knew immediately he'd gotten off with it. The guy was the Mozart of purse snatching, I tell you!

Pickpockets need two conditions to be successful: An easy mark and a distraction.

To avoid being an easy mark, my wife and I both carry our money and credit cards in a slim case that hangs around our necks.

Purse straps can be cut. Quick fingers can extract items from handbags and backpacks without your knowing it.

In order to avoid virtually undressing in a restaurant, I carry one credit card in a zippered pocket that also has a velcro closure that my wife installed. (She is good with sewing.) I also carry a little money, too, for the same purpose.

I hate to suggest that you go around paranoid, but remember that pickpockets always need a distraction to divert your attention. Often the distraction involves "accidental" physical contact such as bumping or jostling. Their ploys are many, well practiced, and expertly executed.

In Paris, I was set up well on the Metro. I am sure the guy saw me coming as I approached the car to get on. Obviously, I was a foreigner and a potentially easy mark. As I approached the open door, the would be thief then pretended to be reading the route map above the door. He was looking up and running his finger along it. As I boarded, he continued his "reading" as he bumped into me. Just as the door closed, he brushed past me and exited.

I am not sure if I foiled his scheme with a quick twist away from him or if he passed because I was too poor to be of interest.

At any rate I lost nothing. I really think he passed on me because I was not worth the effort. My wallet contined only $7.00 US and no plastic at all, so it was quite thin.

Another ploy is for the thieves to be "looking" for something.

One trick I saw was to have an elderly, infirm accomplice spill money on the sidewalk. When a helpful man stopped to help, the "fingers" member of the duo tried to get his wallet.

Then there is is the newspaper gambit. A person reading a newspaper while walking collides with you all the while holding up the newspaper to shield your vision. There is a profusion of apologies while the "fingers" artist does the rest.

In some cities, the oldest dodge in the world is the sex distraction. This one can take all kinds of forms from the most sophisticated to the crudist display.

I don't pretend to know all of the tricks because they are infinite.
I figure all I can do is to make myself a difficult target.

Don't have your valuables in a vulnerable place, and BEWARE the distraction.

And no, a rubber band around the billfold does no good at all. In fact, it compressed it and makes lifting it easier.

I carry a small daypack, as opposed to a purse, but I put a small combination lock on the zippers on one of the pockets (there i put my passport, money, etc.); furthermore, the pocket does not go all the way to the bottom of the bag so that if the bag is slashed across the bottom (god forbid) my stuff won't fall out. In the main compartment, I put my travel book, water, food, etc., a little cash for easy access during the day (not locked). I realize that having a little lock on there probably targets me as a tourist. But, I've never had a thing stolen from me; the straps on the pack are too thick to be cut or easily ripped off. The last time I was in Barcelona (land of pickpockets), every pair or group of people I met had at least one person in their group who had been pickpocketed! I luckily spent a happy 4 days in Barcelona with no problems!

My instincts tell me a moneybelt is much safer, but I really can't hide one under some of my clothing outfits (it would be quite obvious) and as a young woman, I balk at the thought of putting extra padding on my midsection :-)

Carrying anything in a backpack makes you an easy mark. At vey least you want everything where you can see it it. A backpack also tells a pickpocket that you are a tourist and where to start.

ooby., if you ever decide to use a money pouch put the bulky part on your lower back so you won't have a pouchy belly!

True...but I use a very similar daypack here in the US (much smaller than a bookbag a schoolchild carries, and a trendy/sporty pack as well). But I am also young (24) and sporty, so I probably blend better :-). It's also a necessity for me, as I do a lot of outdoor activities mixed in with my city adventures when I travel (renting bikes, hiking, etc.).

But as I said, money belts seem the safer way to go! Just thought I'd throw out my tactic (and even if I do get targeted as a tourist, good luck to any pickpocket who'd like to figure out my combination lock, try cutting through the slash-resistant fabric of my bag, or ripping it off my shoulders (it's a snug fit). If I were pickpocket, I'd pick an easier target).

LOL Seaurchin.

The moneybelt would still show through my clothes. I wear a lot of stretchy tanktops and gaucho pants. (very thin clothing).

And then I'd just have a long butt :-)

lol, and don't wear the neck pouch either because then you will have a third breast, better take the backpack!

Hmmm...but I could wear TWO neck pouches and have really great breasts (though lumpy). They should make bras with pockets. (or do they?)

Then again, that would defeat the purpose of keeping pickpockets away from my valuables if all their attention is on my neck pouches
:-)

What do people think of a wristlet purse (the Hobo Zoe)?

http://www.irvs.com/image.php?itemno...mp;src=froogle

It's shaped like an envelope and has a top zipper with a small strap that goes around my wrist. It's what I normally carry after frequently losing my wallet and/or purse in the course of my everyday life -- it was fine in Italy and Paris but I'm wondering now if I was just lucky? I'm heading to Barcelona and I'm wondering if I should take more precautions...

I carry a roll of local currency in the pocket of my jeans, only as much as i need for the daily bits and pieces and in the other pocket I carry a debit and a credit card, underneath my snotty handkerchief ! On public transport I have my hand in the pocket with the cards, which then tightens the opening of the other pocket! Leaves one hand free as well.... plus I am a big sonafabitch with a constant surly look on my dial ( thats not just attitude just the luck of the genetic draw !) Never been pickpocketed !

Fishee--

Granted I don't have the most secure traveling tactics myself, I would think that the wrist-purse would be better than a regular purse (just b/c it's so close to your hand). However, especially in Barcelona, those pickpockets are sooooo slick...I would pay particular attention on subways, walking down las ramblas, etc. to actually HOLD the purse in your hand (I would not be even a little surprised if they could unzip it without you noticing in those areas, otherwise; I tell you, they're amazing). When eating dinner, seated, etc.--you also have to pay particular attention to where you put it, since it's so small--perhaps between your legs in your lap? since it's so small?

Perhaps a Fodorite has experience with the wristlet? (a lot of my friends use and love them in the US; but I haven't seen them abroad (or noticed them))

MissAtlanta, I told you that you wouldn't find consensus on this board!

ooby -- when I hold the purse (while strapped to my wrist) my hand covers the zipper pull which seems pretty secure -- I guess I could do this whenever I'm standing or moving through crowds. I just have to remember to do so which clearly isn't my strong suit or else I wouldn't have needed to buy this in the first place...

It's bigger than it looks -- besides all the contents of my wallet, it easily fit a phrasebook, maps, my ipod, lipstick, and a compact. But with it dangling off my wrist, it's definitely possible for someone to hold and open it without my noticing, especially if I'm in a crowd...

Fishy- I carry a wristlet similar to this one while in Barcelona:
http://tinyurl.com/jbqgq

Yes, they are smooth, but never has anything been snatched directly from my hand.

Another piece of advice that changed everything for me was that when I am using the subway, I use the stairs. Standing on an escalator is just asking to get picked, as you are stationary and people are all around. There is no escape and at times your back pocket is literally in someone's face. Not only are there hardly ever people on the stairs (certainly not so many as on the escalators), but you are keeping moving, which makes it much more difficult for the thief.

They will always try to stop you somehow; an incident, a question, a request for help. . . your mind should go directly to your valuables, which is a hard thing to remember.

And if you are seated and want to keep your stuff, either put it in your lap (which, as we have seen is not even always effective) or, if it is small and not too hot outside, just stick it between your legs. My wristlet rests nicely like that and believe you me, ain't no one going down there without my knowing it.

Tying things to your chair is not always very effective, as often times they will just get the contents they need (I have seen it happen). Tying the bag to your leg is much better, as you might feel it.

hi claire! You do wristlets too, how wonderful. I've been shopping for a replacement since my HOBO is almost 3 years old and getting past that "deep patina" stage to just plain ol thrashed. I also put mine in my lap for dinner, or even on the table where it props up easily against stuff since it's so thin.

The stairs are a very good idea -- I tend to feel the most vulnerable when I'm standing still in a crowd. I'll try to stay off the escalators if my feet and butt can survive the stairs, but I haven't found cute shoes that are comfortable enough. But I will not jack this thread, I promise. wristlets are fabulous, let's get back on topic here.

fishee- the BCN metro stairs are not that bad at all and in many cases you have no choice. There are quite a few that do not have escalators.

And, though I don't want to jack the thread either, I absolutely must share my random joy with the board. Before I was even in kindergarten, my brother and I used to watch this random cartoon. Of course, I didn't know what it was called or even what it was about (3 year olds do miss so much, I guess). However, one line of a song has gone through my head since the show was on, but I didn't even really know the words except for the placename Arkadia. Well, people, not only have I found that the series was "Spartakus and the Sun Beneath the Sea," but I have downloaded the Flashbic song to my iTunes. Sometimes google is mind boggling.

So, if any of you hear the flashbic (and 10 points for knowing it) on the streets of Barcelona, yes, that is my ringtone. Say hello!

Well, I must be a very naive person, but I carry a small shoulder bag worn diagonally and I get my husband to carry our camera on his belt.
If we are abroad, we keep the passports in the hotel and carry photocopies.
We keep cards to a minimum and take one credit card and one cash card each, but from different banks.
The US is not a pickpcket-free zone.
Why not just take the precautions you take at home?

If you must take a backpack/daypack..consider wearing it in FRONT of you in crowded situations.

Moneybelts work if you use them.

Robes, WHO has a PAPER "ticket home" these days??????

"A backpack also tells a pickpocket that you are a tourist and where to start."

Em, lots of "locals" carry backpacks. The simple rule for backpacks is never to carry anything in them that you can afford to lose so use them for food/water/guidebooks. As for "wearing it in FRONT of you in crowded situations." that WILL tell a pickpocket that you are a tourist and where to start.

As for camera's & shoulder bags ALWAYS carry them slung across one shoulder & under the other arm so that the camera/bag is in front of you. Never have them hanging from one shoulder

And never put anything into a backpocket or shallow pockets

Also spilt your resources between each member of the group & the hotel safe. You'd be surprised at the number of couples where one partner carries everything

As for alan's logic of carrying a purse or camera or bag in front in a crowded situation but not your backpack, I am not sure. I guess if there is nothing in there that matters, why not. However his other suggestions are certainly valid.

Personally I wear a jacket (shell) with inside, zippered pockets that hold my PDA, camera and wallet. I know this is weather dependent and you did say July.

As I mentioned on another thread, I carry stuff in my bra. I'm reasonably well endowed (48DDD) so can put flat stuff around one side of a 'globe' and no bother. Passport on one side, cash and cards in a small pouch on the other, no problems. Daily cash in the purse (usually strapped across as it is heavey with my camera, guidebook, water, etc.)

Yes, I think they do make bras with little pockets in them, I've seen the ads :)

I use a moneybelt and/or a wallet like pouch that has velcro straps to be worn on the calf under pants. My main strategy is to have the things that I can't afford to lose in those. My cash for the day and a credit card is scattered in a number of different place so a pickpocket won't get it all. I often will wear a very lightweight photographer's vest. These can be worn even in hot weather as the back is mesh. They have lots of pockets that are usually velcroed. It helps keep a pickpocket guessing where the mother lode might be. My wife uses a purse with a shoulder strap that I altered by running a length of picture wire through the strap so it can't easily be cut. It is not noticeable.
I am reminded of a time some years ago when my wife and I and two of our children, ages 7 and 11 were visiting the Coliseum in Rome. Young pickpockets were everywhere and plain clothed police were rounding them up as fast as they could catch them. We spent some time with our backs to a wall watching the kids pick pockets and the police round them up. When we got back to the US my 7 year old was asked by her teacher what she learned in Rome. She demonstrated how to pick a pocket!

I always have to laugh at those comments about backpacks giving one away as a tourist. Get on any subway or city bus in the morning rush hour and you'll see hundreds of students and even business people with their backpacks. We're not talking major hiking type backpacks, but average sized typical backpacks. Where do some of you get the idea that "real" people don't carry backpacks too?
Next you'll be saying only tourists wear Nikes!

If you want an interesting look into the life of a professional Paris pickpocket, rend this movie:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053168/
Pickpocket

It's a French film, I saw it in one of my film classes. It has a great montage scene of the metro where pocket after pocket after pocket get picked, and many ways in which it can be done.

I am one who is guilty of the assumption of a backpack toting (older) person being a tourist. You are right we have to be careful of the stereotyping - kind of like thinking that anyone with sandals, dark socks and shorts is a German tourist.

About neck pouches... I bought one and it was VERY long...so, I sort of wore it under my arm and it was down to my waist. Easy enough to get into if I had to. No pouchy tummy, lumpy behind or third boob.
Now I carry a cumbersome huge purse that I can't find anything in...lots of zippers and divisions.
I assume a pickpocket would have the same problem. I hope I look like just a tired old girl going to and from her job like any "local" might be doing.

I developed this method that has always worked for me.

I wear a little pouch that snaps aound my bra straps - that's where I keep credit cards. You can buy these at most airports. Keep my passport in the hotel safe.

Wear a small pocket type purse slung across (like french women wear theirs).

If I'm shopping I ALWAYS keeps shopping bags inside my VERY generic shopping bag - as the locals do. Consolidate as you shop to keep this as small as possible - unless you have a limo waiting out front of the store :)

Further, on public transportation I say NOTHING. Never chat up anyone on the metro or on the bus. Never carry around big maps. Never let people know that you speak English unless you're comfortable with your surroundings.

My daughter and I do this in Paris especially. And we always at least try to fit in. No large white american tennis shoes - no gimme caps. No labels on clothes or purses - all very generic.

The main thing is just not broadcasting it to the world- hey we're Americans and we're not paying attention.

Keep your sling purse on while eating at cafes. If you must set down your bags, set them in a chair beside you and set something on top of it, like a jacket. Set it between you and your companion. Otherwise, set it between your feet.

If you're somewhere really dangerous, like Guatemala - use hidden pockets sewn in the inside bottoms of your pant legs or jacket back for passports.

And spread your money out between you, some in your bra pouch, some in shopping bag, some in sling purse, and some with your traveling companion. And don't make eye contact on metros.

And don't make a big production of taking pictures either.

If you do all these things, you reduce your chances by 95%.

The thing to keep in mind is to not call attention to yourself, and be on your guard. In Paris, i generally carry either a Mandarina Duck backpack pocketbook which I never put on my back, but either sling over my shoulder or hold in my lap. Or I carry a small Longchamp tote. In the winter months, I have a small pocketbook that I can keep under my coat. DH always keeps his wallet in his front pocket, or inside coat pocket and keeps his hand over it. We will avoid the Metro if it is very crowded, we will wait for the next one. We always know where we are going before we get on the Metro, so we don't have to pull out maps etc. And we generally don't talk to each other alot on the Metro, altho I speak French but DH does not. Friends of ours were pickpocketed on the Paris Metro, but they ignored my advice to tone it down a bit - he was wearing a rather garish sports coat that screamed tourist, and she had lots of expensive jewelry on. Fortunately DH and I were quick and spotted the kid and grabbed him. We got our friend's wallet back, but it soured them on Paris. Oh well.

Thanks everyone for the info. I had to laugh several times at some of the comments! oobylicious - I like the combination lock idea. I am going to look into that one! Green Dragon - I will get this movie to watch. It might help my daughters "see" what to expect. Although I don't have the lucky "Marko" surly look, I am very careful when traveling. We have not travelled to Europe, but have been to most large US cities, Caribbean, etc. and have never had a problem. It sounds to me that pickpockets are more prevalent AND more professional, so the advice of all will be taken and checked into. Thanks again!

I use a money belt and only keep what I need for the day either in my pockets or day bag. But on the occasions when unexpectedly you need something in the money belt, how do you all get to it? It feels as though I'm undressing to get into it, so I have to find a restroom or other secluded place. Just not very practical!

There's a special on BBC tonight about the latest pickpocket scams, etc. ("Shops, Robbers & Videotape) esp on Oxford Street and on buses.
Will let you know if there are any new fads among thieves--hmm, maybe we'll find out where London's hip & trendy criminals hang out.

I have a small leather bag approx 8"x8"x2" with two zippered pouches and a strap that goes across my torso. It fits very close to the body, so while it is not technically a money belt and is worn outside my clothes, I feel very safe with it. I do not take it off (for instance in a restaurant).

It's handy and can be tucked into a larger bag (say on the plane ride). Brand name Fossil.

Hubby is a big guy with a surly expression, like Marko *; unfortunately, this trip he won't be with us. Is there a greater risk of being targeted by pickpockets for 2 women alone--one young and attractive (daughter) and one not as young and small, 5'3" (me).

* I would put a smiley face here, if I knew how to do that.

Maire - it depends on how you carry yourself, and to some extent how you are built (i.e. if you look like an athlete, a perp may think twice)

There are lots of factors involved in how perps pick out their victims...

Maire: http://www.fodors.com/forums/smileys/