Street theft and robbery: your experiences and security tips
Jul 16th, 2008, 09:45 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Street theft and robbery: your experiences and security tips
It's one of those travel experiences no one wants- theft of a wallet, purse or worse- and with luck you may never have to endure it. But for the unlucky many it's something that leaves us angry and powerless.
I'm interested in hearing from those of you who have experienced street theft by professional thieves- what happened to you- and also from others who employ tips to make sure they don't fall prey. Perhaps, from reading this thread we can all employ methods to guard ourselves from being victims.
Here is my experience (which led me to create this topic.) I was shopping on Oxford street in London. I had just bought two pairs of cargo pants, and as it was lunchtime, I sat on a street bench to eat the sandwichs I brought with me.
I heard the clink of coins hitting the pavement, and felt coins hitting my trouser leg. I looked down at the cons, and then looked up to see a woman walk away from me. jacket hanging from a bag. I stood up to call out to the woman, but I lost her in the crowd. I turned to sit down again, and found that the backpack, from where I took my lunch, and placed down beside me was gone. At once I was furious, I had realised what had happened.
I raced up the street to find the thief, swearing and shouting, but it was a fruitless endeavour. I came to my senses and started looking for a policeman, to report my loss. I was directed to Marylebone police station, where I reported my loss.
My backpack contained my camera, with photos from the wedding I had attended, Cardiff, and museums I have visited, some inexpensive gifts, and postcards. Also there was my addressbook, and some other personal items, all of which were irreplacable.
I felt numb and powerless. One moment of inattention had lost me my property, and a few coins cost me memories. I was however fortunate not to have lost more- my passport, my personal media player- as they were back at my hotel room, but usually would have been in my backpack.
I am now reviewing what I could have done- kept my backpack on my back, had all my possessions in front of me and within eye sight. I don't want to be caught out again.
I'm interested in hearing from those of you who have experienced street theft by professional thieves- what happened to you- and also from others who employ tips to make sure they don't fall prey. Perhaps, from reading this thread we can all employ methods to guard ourselves from being victims.
Here is my experience (which led me to create this topic.) I was shopping on Oxford street in London. I had just bought two pairs of cargo pants, and as it was lunchtime, I sat on a street bench to eat the sandwichs I brought with me.
I heard the clink of coins hitting the pavement, and felt coins hitting my trouser leg. I looked down at the cons, and then looked up to see a woman walk away from me. jacket hanging from a bag. I stood up to call out to the woman, but I lost her in the crowd. I turned to sit down again, and found that the backpack, from where I took my lunch, and placed down beside me was gone. At once I was furious, I had realised what had happened.
I raced up the street to find the thief, swearing and shouting, but it was a fruitless endeavour. I came to my senses and started looking for a policeman, to report my loss. I was directed to Marylebone police station, where I reported my loss.
My backpack contained my camera, with photos from the wedding I had attended, Cardiff, and museums I have visited, some inexpensive gifts, and postcards. Also there was my addressbook, and some other personal items, all of which were irreplacable.
I felt numb and powerless. One moment of inattention had lost me my property, and a few coins cost me memories. I was however fortunate not to have lost more- my passport, my personal media player- as they were back at my hotel room, but usually would have been in my backpack.
I am now reviewing what I could have done- kept my backpack on my back, had all my possessions in front of me and within eye sight. I don't want to be caught out again.
Jul 17th, 2008, 05:12 AM
#2
Sydney - yes,getting robbed is a horrible feeling. You might want to take a look at the recent Money Belt thread for suggestions on where to keep your valuables - your passport should have been in some kind of money belt, not your backpack, if you hadn't left in your hotel.
I was pick pocketed in Rome on the number 64 bus - in common with a LOT of other people! It was fairly late, I had enjoyed a good meal with wine in the Trastevere district, and some gelato near the Piazza Navarone, and then had to wait a long time for the bus. A young man disputed the last seat on the bus with me, and I allowed myself to be distracted. I was carrying a small zippered bag held tightly between my arm and my body - the zipper was opened behind my arm and my wallet taken. It held only one day's supply of money and an expiring bus pass - everything else of interest was in my money belt, which was in the safe in my hotel - normally I would have been wearing it as most of my hotels don't have safes.
I didn't bother to report the theft. I was sorry to lose the wallet, and next morning I looked for it among those laid out on the pavement as I shopped for a new one. But it felt really bad, and Rome isn't high on my list of places to revisit (it was my last night there). However, I know that if I hadn't been so keen on getting that last seat it wouldn't have happened.
I was pick pocketed in Rome on the number 64 bus - in common with a LOT of other people! It was fairly late, I had enjoyed a good meal with wine in the Trastevere district, and some gelato near the Piazza Navarone, and then had to wait a long time for the bus. A young man disputed the last seat on the bus with me, and I allowed myself to be distracted. I was carrying a small zippered bag held tightly between my arm and my body - the zipper was opened behind my arm and my wallet taken. It held only one day's supply of money and an expiring bus pass - everything else of interest was in my money belt, which was in the safe in my hotel - normally I would have been wearing it as most of my hotels don't have safes.
I didn't bother to report the theft. I was sorry to lose the wallet, and next morning I looked for it among those laid out on the pavement as I shopped for a new one. But it felt really bad, and Rome isn't high on my list of places to revisit (it was my last night there). However, I know that if I hadn't been so keen on getting that last seat it wouldn't have happened.
Jul 17th, 2008, 12:05 PM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I lost a camera once on a bus in Munich during Oktoberfest. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure if it was stolen or if I carelessly left it on the bus.
Since then, I always reduce my load to one convertible carry on bag when traveling. When I'm in place, all the loose stuff goes into a small daypack. Having only one item to keep track of is half the battle in defeating petty theft.
I always use a moneybelt for anything valuable or hard to replace (ID, Passport, tickets, etc.)
I now travel with a good quality small all-in-one camera. I changed the wrist strap for a thin neck strap and keep it inside my shirt or jacket unless I'm taking a picture.
Since then, I always reduce my load to one convertible carry on bag when traveling. When I'm in place, all the loose stuff goes into a small daypack. Having only one item to keep track of is half the battle in defeating petty theft.
I always use a moneybelt for anything valuable or hard to replace (ID, Passport, tickets, etc.)
I now travel with a good quality small all-in-one camera. I changed the wrist strap for a thin neck strap and keep it inside my shirt or jacket unless I'm taking a picture.
Jul 17th, 2008, 08:08 PM
#4
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 10,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Knock on wood, I've never been a victim of theft or robbery so far.
My tricks:
Whenever I carry a purse, I keep the opening to the front of my body. This prevents someone from behind from reaching inside easily.
I always choose a purse with a zippered closure - not only does it help keep sticky fingers out, but it prevents everything from falling out if I trip, etc.
I always get purses with a simple zipper pocket on the outside. I use this pocket for coins. This way, when I'm at a vending machine or drink stand, etc., I don't have to get into my wallet to pay and it's quicker to put away my change after a transaction.
I never carry a backpack style purse or a backpack unless I'm hiking in the woods, etc. It is too easy for someone to stand behind me in a crowded place and cut the bag open.
If I'm not carrying all my camera gear, I use a beltpack with the pack in the front. This keeps my gear right where I can see it at all times. It also allows me to sit without removing it keeping it in my lap while eating, riding transit, etc.
If I'm carrying all my camera gear, I can't fit it all in my beltpack. In this case, I always keep the case between my legs with my foot through the strap when not carrying it. I never set it down and then walk across the sidewalk to take a photo, etc.
I never rush up to help someone. I take my time and watch to see if they REALLY need help before getting involved and then my involvement is to find real help. I don't "rubberneck" while out and about - that means I don't run over to see why there's a crowd, etc.
Rather than looking at a map as I go, I will review it in the hotel room and write out the directions on a piece of paper. If I'm not sure which way to go, I pull out the paper rather than the map so I don't look like I'm lost.
My tricks:
Whenever I carry a purse, I keep the opening to the front of my body. This prevents someone from behind from reaching inside easily.
I always choose a purse with a zippered closure - not only does it help keep sticky fingers out, but it prevents everything from falling out if I trip, etc.
I always get purses with a simple zipper pocket on the outside. I use this pocket for coins. This way, when I'm at a vending machine or drink stand, etc., I don't have to get into my wallet to pay and it's quicker to put away my change after a transaction.
I never carry a backpack style purse or a backpack unless I'm hiking in the woods, etc. It is too easy for someone to stand behind me in a crowded place and cut the bag open.
If I'm not carrying all my camera gear, I use a beltpack with the pack in the front. This keeps my gear right where I can see it at all times. It also allows me to sit without removing it keeping it in my lap while eating, riding transit, etc.
If I'm carrying all my camera gear, I can't fit it all in my beltpack. In this case, I always keep the case between my legs with my foot through the strap when not carrying it. I never set it down and then walk across the sidewalk to take a photo, etc.
I never rush up to help someone. I take my time and watch to see if they REALLY need help before getting involved and then my involvement is to find real help. I don't "rubberneck" while out and about - that means I don't run over to see why there's a crowd, etc.
Rather than looking at a map as I go, I will review it in the hotel room and write out the directions on a piece of paper. If I'm not sure which way to go, I pull out the paper rather than the map so I don't look like I'm lost.
Jul 19th, 2008, 10:17 AM
#5
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Mom's life long dream was to visit Paris and so we went several years ago. Despite all the posted warnings in Notre Dame Cathedral, she had her pocket picked and was relieved of almost all her cash and a brand new credit card. It was just a bad series of events. We had gone to a bank to exchange monies and decided to stop at Notre Dame before going back to the Hotel. She had her purse open searching for change so she could see the small museum within the cathedral and there had been a person sitting across from the cashier, seeming to be idling there, but really watching who might be fumbling for a wallet. When we left the cathedral she realized that her wallet, also containing the hotel swipe card, was gone. We immediately called the hotel ( the California) and they assured us they would change the pass code and have new cards made for us. We then found the nearest police station and made a report, canceled the new credit card (only to find out it had been maxed out within half an hour) and returned to the hotel wiser and much poorer.
Did I mention it rained the entire time we were there???? I think I owe her another trip.
Did I mention it rained the entire time we were there???? I think I owe her another trip.
Jul 19th, 2008, 10:40 AM
#6
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 10,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hpfyt - you definitely owe her another trip! 
That's why I buy purses with an outside zipper compartment. I don't have to fumble with my wallet for small things - reducing the chances for my wallet to be grabbed.
That's why I buy purses with an outside zipper compartment. I don't have to fumble with my wallet for small things - reducing the chances for my wallet to be grabbed.
Jul 19th, 2008, 07:02 PM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 25,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've only been robbed once in my travels and that was in Vancouver BC when our car got broken into. We made the mistake of leaving things visible in the car. Nothing of any real value was visible, but I learned too late that if a thief sees anything at all in the car, he will presume there are valuables as well.
We came down from the hotel to find a broken window and evidence the thief had rifled thru the car. All he got was a cheap jacket and an umbrella, but it was still maddening because a.) we lost a day of our vacation replacing the car window and b.) it was just maddening that someone thought they had the right to do this. So my advice is to leave NOTHING in your car, either visible or not.
Despite what happened I feel lucky because most robberies are much worse than this. I'm sorry to all other posters who have suffered from crimes where you lost so much more.
We came down from the hotel to find a broken window and evidence the thief had rifled thru the car. All he got was a cheap jacket and an umbrella, but it was still maddening because a.) we lost a day of our vacation replacing the car window and b.) it was just maddening that someone thought they had the right to do this. So my advice is to leave NOTHING in your car, either visible or not.
Despite what happened I feel lucky because most robberies are much worse than this. I'm sorry to all other posters who have suffered from crimes where you lost so much more.
Jul 21st, 2008, 01:49 PM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We've been very fortunate not to have been pick pocketed so far. We did have a near miss in Madrid. I had told my (bulletproof) husband to beware of a young, beautiful, dark skinned Spanish "student" looking people on street corners in Madrid holding old tattered and worn maps. When studying there years ago, that was the profile of a pickpocket or his partner.
After picking up our rental car, on the way to the garage, we were crossing the street. Burdened by our luggage and holding our childrens' hands, she sidled up beside my husband, innocently imploring him for assistance to find her way with her tattered map.
Even though he knew better, he looked straight into her lovely brown eyes, and he suddenly felt someone reaching into the front edge of his pants to unzip the flap on his money belt! He pushed her away, pejoratively uttering some expletive I'd taught him in Spanish, and she and her old map and new Prada backpack were gone in a flash! She failed at actually stealing anything, but she DID get his money pouch unzipped! He's a slender guy, so she must have been able to tell it was there.
Also, my parents (in their 60s) were robbed just north of Naples in the "flatten your tire and nab your valuables while you're changing it" routine. The thieves were so sloppy and disorganized that they missed Dad's fancy watch he was wearing, mom's jewelry, her money belt and the $200 cash they had just gotten at the last rest area that was stashed in the dash of the car.
What did they get? They snatched two plastic bags off the back seat. One contained wet rain jackets and the other was a bag of trash.
Here's one for the good guys!
Be alert. Be smart. Be vigilant!
After picking up our rental car, on the way to the garage, we were crossing the street. Burdened by our luggage and holding our childrens' hands, she sidled up beside my husband, innocently imploring him for assistance to find her way with her tattered map.
Even though he knew better, he looked straight into her lovely brown eyes, and he suddenly felt someone reaching into the front edge of his pants to unzip the flap on his money belt! He pushed her away, pejoratively uttering some expletive I'd taught him in Spanish, and she and her old map and new Prada backpack were gone in a flash! She failed at actually stealing anything, but she DID get his money pouch unzipped! He's a slender guy, so she must have been able to tell it was there.
Also, my parents (in their 60s) were robbed just north of Naples in the "flatten your tire and nab your valuables while you're changing it" routine. The thieves were so sloppy and disorganized that they missed Dad's fancy watch he was wearing, mom's jewelry, her money belt and the $200 cash they had just gotten at the last rest area that was stashed in the dash of the car.
What did they get? They snatched two plastic bags off the back seat. One contained wet rain jackets and the other was a bag of trash.
Here's one for the good guys!
Be alert. Be smart. Be vigilant!
Jul 21st, 2008, 02:42 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Several years ago I bought a light weight travel vest from Magellen travel. I spread things around among all the pockets, and use a small saftey pin to pin shut each zipper. I have not been robbed so far. I also don't carry more than one cc with me, and don't carry a camera either. I've also used cargo pants with pockets and zippers. I think it would be hard for a thief to quickly figure out what is where.
Jul 21st, 2008, 03:58 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mom23, you mean the money pouch worn under his pants? wowzer is all I can say!! How long did he look into her eyes?! kidding. If the thieves start reaching into our pants then what is next. My goodness.
I am glad your parent's trash and wet jackets were the only things taken!
I am glad your parent's trash and wet jackets were the only things taken!
Jul 21st, 2008, 06:11 PM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, SeaUrchin! It was the pouch that you wear INSIDE your pants. It's just a bit larger than a passport and zips across the top.
She was bold, wasn't she?!?
We were very glad my folks were safe also!
She was bold, wasn't she?!?
We were very glad my folks were safe also!
Jul 22nd, 2008, 09:57 AM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I first ventured to Paris in 2005 I started not to go. After reading about all the ways thieves "get to you" was alarming at best. So in my honest attempt to keep me safe while traveling, especially alone, I do the following:
Yes, by all means use the money pouch under your clothes, but I also carry a messenger bag that goes across your chest (I actually bought this in Paris). I take a TA approved lock and lock the zipper part to the metal clip that holds the strap. That way the zipper can't move and if anyone wants to get into the zippered portion they will have to find the key first. Ladies, you know where I keep it. And if I loose the key, I can just go the aiport or train station to get one of the agents to unlock it.
Secondly and I found this great pair of ladies underware and I don't mean to be weird or gross but they have a pouch in the front. Yes, again, if they want to get my passport (by the way it fit's wonderfully) they will have a very hard time distracting me to get it.
Just my two cents!
Yes, by all means use the money pouch under your clothes, but I also carry a messenger bag that goes across your chest (I actually bought this in Paris). I take a TA approved lock and lock the zipper part to the metal clip that holds the strap. That way the zipper can't move and if anyone wants to get into the zippered portion they will have to find the key first. Ladies, you know where I keep it. And if I loose the key, I can just go the aiport or train station to get one of the agents to unlock it.
Secondly and I found this great pair of ladies underware and I don't mean to be weird or gross but they have a pouch in the front. Yes, again, if they want to get my passport (by the way it fit's wonderfully) they will have a very hard time distracting me to get it.
Just my two cents!
Jul 22nd, 2008, 11:38 AM
#13
<I'm interested in hearing from those of you who have experienced street theft by professional thieves->
Sydney2K~~ Can people answer who have not had the experience? But have traveled without incident?
Sydney2K~~ Can people answer who have not had the experience? But have traveled without incident?
Jul 22nd, 2008, 02:01 PM
#14
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am vigilant from the start - the airport. I have a carry on bag that has a portion that you can lock. Since the bag is getting xrayed I lock our valuables in there. I also have a Louis Vuitton purse which has a lock and key which I lock as well, but I use it for travelling to and from the airport/hotels only and switch to a smaller purse.
We travel with very little cash as often as possible. I let the credit card companies know when and where we are travelling. We lock our passports in the safe and have color copies of them in our luggage just in case. I carry a small purse that fits over my shoulder and securely under my arm. I usually have 40.00 cash and an AmeX card, lipgloss and my small digital camera,cell phone...that's it. My husband has a small wallet with a clip on it and clips it into his front pants pocket. Everything else is locked in the room safe. The most imortant thing is to be aware. I also always use my luxe link, so my purse hangs from the table in front of me and not on the back of my chair.
Don't carry all your stuff with you if you can help it. Keep some cash in a front pocket on your clothing, so you don't have to open a bag. Depending on where you are going, leave the flashy jewelery at home.
We travel with very little cash as often as possible. I let the credit card companies know when and where we are travelling. We lock our passports in the safe and have color copies of them in our luggage just in case. I carry a small purse that fits over my shoulder and securely under my arm. I usually have 40.00 cash and an AmeX card, lipgloss and my small digital camera,cell phone...that's it. My husband has a small wallet with a clip on it and clips it into his front pants pocket. Everything else is locked in the room safe. The most imortant thing is to be aware. I also always use my luxe link, so my purse hangs from the table in front of me and not on the back of my chair.
Don't carry all your stuff with you if you can help it. Keep some cash in a front pocket on your clothing, so you don't have to open a bag. Depending on where you are going, leave the flashy jewelery at home.
Jul 22nd, 2008, 05:19 PM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Paris Subway:
I got on and was standing holding the pole. My shoulder purse got behind me as 3 men jostled around me. Wallet gone and the men got back off just before the doors closed!
Lesson learned? poor choice of purse design. Ok for where I live, not ok for travelling.
Second lesson learned? Clean out your purse and wallet at home. You don't need most of the stuff abroad that you keep when at home.
Luckily they didn't make off with much by grabbing only my wallet - but it was a shock and really woke me up about travel and personal security.
I got on and was standing holding the pole. My shoulder purse got behind me as 3 men jostled around me. Wallet gone and the men got back off just before the doors closed!
Lesson learned? poor choice of purse design. Ok for where I live, not ok for travelling.
Second lesson learned? Clean out your purse and wallet at home. You don't need most of the stuff abroad that you keep when at home.
Luckily they didn't make off with much by grabbing only my wallet - but it was a shock and really woke me up about travel and personal security.
Jul 22nd, 2008, 05:48 PM
#16
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gosh - I am wondering if it is wise to put all your amazing ways of preventing theft online for every one to read - especially someone who intends to use this information on where people actually hide their money and how they prevent being robbed. I don't mean Sydney2K - but any thief who happens to read this forum will learn all your secrets.
Jul 22nd, 2008, 06:43 PM
#17
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm sure we're not telling them anything they don't already know.
There's enough easy pickings out there for them, they'll just bypass the more vigilant and savvy travellers - the kind of traveller I hope I am after my Paris experience.
Shows like 20/20 have done episodes on how these thieves practice their game and size up vulnerable targets - it's a lot more sophisticated than some travellers may think.
There's enough easy pickings out there for them, they'll just bypass the more vigilant and savvy travellers - the kind of traveller I hope I am after my Paris experience.
Shows like 20/20 have done episodes on how these thieves practice their game and size up vulnerable targets - it's a lot more sophisticated than some travellers may think.
Jul 22nd, 2008, 06:54 PM
#18
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting. Jaya - do you recall any of the ways a thief would size up a person he was considering robbing?
What can we do keep from becoming a target?
We probably all know the basics but would be interested in what makes us a target - though I have never been one. Yet!!!!
What can we do keep from becoming a target?
We probably all know the basics but would be interested in what makes us a target - though I have never been one. Yet!!!!
Jul 22nd, 2008, 10:52 PM
#20
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh one thing I do now days is to arrange items in zip lock bags in my purse. This way it is easy to sort through and pull out only what I need so my purse isn't open that long.
Sometimes I put these smaller bags into a larger ziplock bag that takes up a lot of the room in my purse, zip it up. I thought it would take a thief longer to get into it. This may work with a casual thief, not a professional one.
Sometimes I put these smaller bags into a larger ziplock bag that takes up a lot of the room in my purse, zip it up. I thought it would take a thief longer to get into it. This may work with a casual thief, not a professional one.
