3 Ways to Avoid Pickpockets

When I showed up at the marché aux puces in Paris dressed in a red trench coat, dark sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat with my handbag discreetly -- or maybe not so discreetly -- tucked underneath my coat, my friends called me the Hamburglar.

Why was I dressed that way?

I'll do whatever it takes to avoid being robbed. Even the most street smart among us can fall prey to a professional "booster." Take, for instance, my friend Kindra, who while working in Beirut was victimized when a thief sliced the bottom of her handbag. She didn't notice a thing. Fortunately, she had nothing of value inside, but her beloved tote ... let's just say it's on a permanent vacation. Then there are stories of master pickpockets who can steal money from a wallet without even touching it! Fear mongering aside pickpocketing is rampant all over the world, and in certain locales it's on the rise.In Wayne B. Yeager's Techniques of the Professional Pickpocket, he reveals why people fall victim to pickpockets, the techniques they use and how to foil them. Here are three ways you can avoid becoming the next target of a professional pickpocket.

1. Don't become a mark
From Abbotsford to St. John's, last-minute Christmas shoppers and tourists are a versatile pickpocket's delight. The preoccupation of getting all the items on your list, rushing to catch public transportation, stopping to marvel at the breathtaking scenery are a few reasons why you may become vulnerable to a skilled thief. Why? Your mind is focused on a short-term goal; therefore, you're oblivious to any "accidental" collisions orchestrated by a pickpocket.

Solution:
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself. First, keep your bags closed and always take note of what and who is around you. Second, remember to walk with purpose. Confused looks and hesitant steps are the telltale signs of a distracted person. Third, do your best to not look like a tourist. While at your hotel, take the time to plan your route for the day or evening. Visible maps are often a dead giveaway to a professional pickpocket.

Related links:
The Future of Pickpocketing and How to Protect Yourself
Top 5 Worst Cities for Pickpocketing
The Flash Rob: Say Hello the Flashmob's Criminal Counterpart

2. Don't advertise what's in your pocket
Have you ever noticed that most men carry their wallets in their right back pocket, and that keys and cigarette lighters are generally kept in the front pockets? All a professional needs to do is determine how your items are stowed and they're off to snag their prize. This may seem trivial but the position of your items will determine the technique that the perpetrator will use. The most common is the "two-finger snag."


Solution:
Don't carry your wallet in your back pocket. Keep it in an inside pocket or securely wrap money underneath your clothing. More to the point, when you're out only bring the bare essentials with you, whenever possible. I'm a big fan of CM4's Q Card Case Wallet for iPhone 4/4S ($39.99, Amazon.com) It protects my iPhone (on which I have activated the "Find My iPhone" feature in case of theft and backed up my contact list through cloud computing), and can hold up to three cards and cash. (For Android users, try "Where's My Droid" or download "Plan B.") Additionally, photocopy the front and back of all your credit cards, driver's license, health card, page two and three of your passport, and place these photocopies in your hotel safe or at home.

3. Don't get fooled by a diversion
Swarming, spilling and flashing are common tactics used by pickpockets to distract you. Sometimes diversions can get really elaborate, such as a staged fight.

Solution:
If you're shopping or traveling with a group of people consider designating someone from your group or family to keep an eye on your surroundings. Keep the more susceptible members of your group on the inside and the more attentive members at the back. This way you can reduce your chances of becoming a mark of a tag team pickpocketing effort.

Check out the photo gallery below to learn how you can protect yourself from pickpockets overseas.



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