I am getting freaked out about the post of pick pockets, and want to pick up a neck or waist pouch prior to leaving. I am in San Francisco for a meeting, so can anyone recommend a place to go shopping?<BR><BR>Michael

Michael,<BR><BR>Coincidentally I am typing this message from San Francisco where I live. Where have you been and where are you going that you are so "freaked out"? <BR><BR>I just got out of the Muni subway which I take every day in tons of crowds. I hold onto my handbag but if there were that many pickpockets I'd probably have lost my wallet many times by now. In fact, I've seen many people, men and women, carry their belongings loosely and never experience any pickpocketing. I'm sure it takes place but not enough to make one freak out.<BR><BR>You take normal precautions surely. But as far as San Francisco having alot of pickpockets, I cannot believe that.<BR><BR>But if you truly truly feel safer with a neck/waist pouch, you can go to Rand McNally on Market Street about a half block away from Montgomery Street.<BR>

Coincidentally, I am typing this message from about 30 miles south of SF. I haven't read the pickpocket thread, but I've never ever been the least bit concerned about pickpockets in SF or in any big US city. I remain appropriately cautious in unfamiliar surroundings. However, if you feel you need a neck or waist pouch, go to the nearest drugstore such as Rite Aid or Longs and look in their travel section.

I am going to Europe, and am making a stop in San Fran for a meeting and will be leaving from there to Europe. I have no problem with San Fran.<BR><BR>Michael

You can go to any camping store and pick up something like that. Try any of these:<BR><BR>Lombardi Sports at 1600 Jackson<BR><BR>Any Mountain at 2598 Taylor Street<BR><BR>-Rod

We all thought you were concerned with SF by the way you said it. I don't know where in Europe you're headed, but last year in Rome, again in crowds (June), we did not have any problems with pickpockets. We heard how bad it would be, but it was not at all.<BR><BR>Paris yes. The metro is a favorable place to get pickpocketed especially around Ile de la Cite (Notre Dame). <BR><BR>The main thing is the same for anywhere: be aware of your surroundings and your belongings.

Macys has them in the men's belt dept. I was surprised to see them made by famous designers such as Kenneth Cole.. They are mixed in with all the other belts but are usually labeled as money belts.

By the way, don't let everyone on this post scare you. Just hold tight to your belongings and don't carry more than you can afford to lose.

Edwards Luggage, 3 Embarcadero Center, has a good stock of travel security items.

I got a neck pouch, suitcase locks, etc at Bed Bath & Beyond while visiting San Diego. Bought them to use in Paris

Michael: I live across the bay from SF. If you decide to go to Rand McNally as Eleanora suggested, you will love it (if you love traveling as I do), as the selection of guide books is fantastic and the other travel paraphernalia is extensive and interesting.<BR><BR>Enjoy San Francisco and your trip to Europe.<BR><BR>j