I dont think you can really avoid pick pockets, I do warn you that when you see a sign that says "Beware of Pickpockets" do not, I repeat DO NOT tap your pocket to make sure your wallet or purse is still there. I suspect sklled pickpokets watch the signs and by your reaction they know where you keep the cash.

Art,
Is there something you are trying to tell us?

This pickpocket thing has got me a bit worried, but I live in a dense city and am well aware when someone is touching my butt (sorry to be blunt---back pocket is where I keep my cards)....I never know if they are trying to hit on me!!! Could be a possible new date! Ha!

But when traveling I use the money belt and keep my spending money in front pocket. And you would have to get reallllllly close to me to go in my front pocket.

any stranger who touches my butt will get a hard, swift kick to the groin

hmmm...so you are a nice assertive penguin?

Speaking of penguins, did you see March of the Penguins?

sorry, I know, off the topic.

Yes, this is a natural human reaction: you see the sign, you touch your pocket to make sure your valuables are still there.

Same goes for men - they always check if their "valuables" still there, even though nobody thinks of stealing those.

Seriously, I saw a program on pickpockets and really, they do hang around those signs to see which pockets to empty.

Also I see sometimes on the buses in San Francisco, after they announce (recording, not the buses!) beware of pickpockets on crowded buses, people start to shuffle checking pockets and purses.

Art thought he was posting to this thread

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34790275


Now you know why I do his trip report postings )

But while we're here, I have to say this is indeed a great point. We stood by one of those signs one day and sure enough, we'd see person after person walk up, see the sign, then immediatly grab wherever their wallet was. We remarked that it would sure be a great place for a pickpocket to hang out.

I starred in March of the Penguins ;-)

I never keep my wallet in my back pocket. I was on the Paris metro and had a wad of maps in my back pocket where most people keep their wallets. When I got off at my stop and reached for the street maps, bingo, I'd been pickpocketted. Didn't feel a thing. Someone obviously touched my butt unbeknownst to me.

Budman, somebody stole your maps? Must be another american

Oh, wait, no, must be somebody who knows how to read them!