My dad got taken the same way on escalators in Paris in the 70s. It really shook him as he was a tall man & a teacher who always believed he was in control of things.

It happened to my husband two years ago in Rome, probably on the metro. THo he didn't realise until we had returned to our apartment. I was furious as I had given him many warnings.

I wish there was some way to put a mouse trap in the pocket. Looks like a genius out there somewhere could figure this out. I would love it.

I was assured by a young male friend that no way would anyone get his wallet zipped in a front pocket and money belts were silly.
Bet you can see where this is going.
I warned him over and over about the very crowded 64 bus in Rome.
We got on near Piazza Repubblica. Two stops later a number of males got off the bus. I said, "check your wallet". You guessed it. Pocket unzipped, wallet gone.