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Written by Maak
Pickpockets operate all over the globe (yes, in your home town too!) and unfortunately they are probably here to stay. In this article have selected 10 tips on how to keep your cash and other valuables safe and out of the way of pickpockets.
#1 Look the part. It’s funny how many of us are paranoid about pickpockets when we are on vacation, but don’t give them a second thought in our home town. Invariably pickpockets focus on tourists who they expect are carrying cash around, and probably more than the locals have on them. So tip #1, is don’t look like a tourist – if you look like a local, without map in hand, camera and rucksack, there is less chance of attracting the attention of the local pickpocket. Of course, if you are a European travelling in Asia or Africa, you just look different, in which case you’ll just have to take some of the following tips into account.
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#2 Carry a money belt and don’t use it like a wallet. Money belts are probably the safest way to carry your valuables around, but remember not to use it in public – so make sure your everyday cash is in a handbag or wallet – just as you would at home.
#3 Don't carry it all together. Divide your cash and valuables, and put each portion in different places – my wallet/purse, a money belt and a small pouch hanging around my neck are the places I usually use (unless the pouch sticks out if I only have a light blouse on). Make sure you take more than one credit card with you and keep them in different places. If you are a family travelling, make sure each of you carry a portion of the cash – reducing the risk of losing everything. I even give our older children a pouch with some cash – which is also good if they get into some kind of emergency and need to take a taxi back to the hotel.
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#4 Use a waterproof bag on the beach. A dilemma I often experience when going to the beach is what to do with my valuables. The obvious answer is not to take them with you. However if you have no choice I found that a waterproof diving bag was the best alternative – you can get them down to the size of an MP3, which is pretty handy for keeping spare cash dry whilst you are swimming, with armbands, so they are secure whilst you are in the water.
#5 Use clothing with plenty of pockets and zips. Again, not always practical to wear clothes with zips – especially if a T-shirt is all you need, but it’s far more difficult for a pickpocket to get at something that is zipped than something in an open pocket or bag. In addition, the chances of something just falling out of your pocket are also greatly reduced - you have no idea how many coins, phones and other stuff fall out of pockets on rollercoaster rides around the world. You can purchase special travel garments and accessories online at e.g. TravelSmith or Tilley.
#6 Do your homework. When travelling somewhere new, it’s always a good idea to read what the guidebooks write about pickpocketing at the specific destination or search on the net. Sites exist that tell you which pickpocket schemes are 'popular' at the destination you are travelling to – take for example a look at tips about Paris and tale a look at this great diagrammatic description of some of the normal pickpocket schemes.
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#7 Keep a short leash on bags. Bag openings should be close to your body, not hanging down on a long leash. Preferably, the strap should be around your waist or across the shoulder (instead of on the shoulder), and you should hold the bag opening into your body. Never hang bags on chairs, on grocery charts, department store counter or fitting room.
#8 Carry your house keys elsewhere. Keep your keys in your coat or jacket, or around your wrist. If your purse is stolen, the thieves will probably know where you live – but at least they won’t have your keys
#9 Leave everything you don’t need at the hotel. If there is a safe at your hotel – either at the front desk or in your room – use it. Put everything in there that you don’t need to carry around with you.
#10 Never carry your wallet in your back pocket – need I say more.
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