20/20 Pickpockets & Tourist Theft
 

This evenings 20/20 had a segment on tourists and their vulnerability to pickpockets and theft while on vacation. It was particularly intersting how they revealed the characteristics of those who are vulnerable. Anyone ever have valuables stolen from them while on vacation?

I haven't had that happen, but I believe that pickpocketing is an even greater problem in many European cities and I've heard many stories from people who have had that unfortunate experience. I think many people are careless and a bit naive about things like this. I have some garments with interior zippered pockets that I use in some cases and a moneybelt that I will sometimes use, too. Forewarned is forearmed.

After a White Sox game and waiting for the train to take us back downtown, I caught a guy reaching into the front (yes front) pocket of my shorts. I did not feel a thing and only caught him because I went to rest my hands in my pockets and caught him.

I thought 20/20 could and should have done a much more comprehensive piece.

The best defense against pickpockets is to leave your wallet at home (you do NOT need all that stuff when traveling). Carry only a bit of cash and your ATM card and one credit card (leave the rest in your room safe) in something very small. I use a business card case and carry it in a very deep front pocket or inside zipper pocket.

L. L. Bean has fantastic microfiber slacks with a very deep front pocket that zips closed, along with matching blazers with inside zipper pockets - for the gents and the ladies.

Those loudspeaker pickpocket warnings are ridiculous - everyone reaches for their valuables letting all the pickpockets in the station know exactly who are the very best targets.

Ah yes, the fabulous 20/20. Always bent on scaring us into staying home and locking the doors.

seetheworld, there are many, many threads on this subject on the Europe board. My own philosophy is to be aware of where your "stuff" is at all times and who is around you.

I never carry anything valuable in a pocket and when I am on the subway or other crowded places, I put my purse or daypack in front of me with my hand on it so it is impossible for anyone to get into it without my knowing. When I am in a restaurant, I maintain physical contact with my purse or daypack.

I have occasionally used a leg safe when I had to carry my valuables on my person (passport, credit cards, money) but you'd be amazed how many people get robbed because they are careless and unaware or because their attention is distracted.

Your valuables, in a thin wallet/business card case, which does not create a "bulge", are far safer in a front pocket than in a purse, daypack, fannypack, backpack, all of which can be easily grabbed. A friend of ours, confident that her shoulder bag, with the strap secured by a chair leg or her leg, was relieved of her wallet, passport, and airline tickets.

It is nearly impossible to "be aware of your stuff" and "who is around you" in unfamiliar surroundings when you are distracted by everything all about and checking maps and tour guides along the way.

On the metro, for example, in a large city, a practiced thief (and they are quite expert) can easily remove the contents of the daypack in front of you. They know precisely when the train will slow down suddenly for the next stop, and you'll be busy steadying yourself, and not notice that they've wiped you out until long after they're out of sight.

I apologize Marilyn if this topic has already been discussed on the Europe board - 20/20 did mention that the problem was prevelant in Italy and Spain. Both DH and I have been very fortunate and have never had an incident but for those who are not frequent business or pleasure travellers, who spend time in crowded cities, it could be helpful. I don't think I will hide and lock the doors because of it :)

Of course I'm still at home hiding under the bed until deemed safe to emerge.

I think this is a common sense issue and being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Knock wood that I've never been a victim but these people are pros. If they want your money, they are going after your money.

Just as an aside, criminals prey on the weak and those with slack or weak body language. As a precaution, try and have confident agressive body langauge.

seetheworld, apologies if my remark came across as criticism. I was just pointing you to further discussion if you were interested.

djk, I can only say it's worked for me for 40 years and about that many countries. When I say physical contact with my stuff at a restaurant, for example, I mean my backpack is between my feet where I can feel it, not just that the strap is around a chair leg. I honestly do believe I would notice someone crawling around my feet.

I'm not saying that any of us can't be distracted. There are many ploys used by thieves to do exactly that. But as GoTravel said, when you are standing with your arm around your bag and your hand over the opening, you are signalling a defensive posture to a would-be thief. Perhaps that alone makes you a less attractive target.

A male friend of ours was the victim of an attempted pickpocket in Barcelona that still boggles my mind. This old lady tried to get into his neck pouch while he was wearing it!

My husband was almost pickpocketed on the Jersey shore boardwalk (Seaside) but luckily I spotted the teenage boys seconds before one made a grab.

I've seen people pickpocketed in Italy many time; usually by children.

I do not carry a bag of any kind. I have my money and one ATM card in a money belt under my clothes and in one front pocket that I keep a hand in. So far, so good.