How to avoid a pickpocket

Getting robbed can turn your dream trip into a nightmare. Pickpocketing is rife in many countries, with clever thieves often targeting distracted tourists. You’re at more risk of pickpocketing in places like tourist attractions and public transport. 

How do you avoid being robbed? Keep reading how to avoid a pickpocket.

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Pickpockets use a variety of tactics to fleece travellers from their money and belongings.

Tactics

Here are some tactics they use to trap you. 

Approaching you and begging for money

If someone approaches you asking for money, put your hand up in front of their face and say “No!” or “Go away!”

Children surround you in a group

Out of nowhere, a large group of children surround you. While one is distracting you, the other is robbing you. Use the same method, put your hand up in front of them and tell them to “Go away!”

You see a person trip or fall

While you’re helping a person who has tripped, another pickpocket goes to work taking your money and belongings.

Someone coming too close holding a piece of cardboard

This is a common tactic where a thief uses a piece of cardboard and puts it against your back while feeling for your money belt. The cardboard is a shield to block what is happening underneath.

An individual pointing at money on the ground

Someone approaches you pointing at money on the ground and ask if it is yours. Ignore them. Another distraction technique so they can rob you.

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How to stop the pickpocket

To minimise the risk of being robbed by a pickpocket, do these things:

Be aware of who is around you

Be aware of your surroundings. If someone comes too close and invades your personal space, be careful.

Trust your intuition

Always trust your intuition. If it doesn’t feel right, then it isn’t. Take action quickly if you sense danger.

If you don’t need it, don’t bring it

Don’t bring something with you if you don’t need it. This goes for money, credit cards, passport, jewellery, and your belongings. You may lose everything if you’re robbed and you’ll be in a bad situation.

Bring just enough money for the day and one credit card only with you. Travelling in a country that requires you to have a passport with you? Make a colour printed copy of your passport or take a photo of it and keep this handy.

Carry your bag or backpack in front of you

Whatever bag you are carrying, carry it in the front of you. Wear small bags such as crossbody ones across your chest or stomach. In a crowded place like a train, hold onto the bag with both hands for extra security.

If carrying a bag, zip it up

When carrying a bag or purse, make sure you use the zipper and close the bag. An open bag is an invitation for a pickpocket to place their hand inside.

Avoid placing your bag on a seat next to you or on the ground under the table

Hold on to your bag and avoid placing it on a seat next to you or on the ground. While you are eating, a thief has the perfect opportunity to snatch your bag.

Don’t use an ATM in a busy tourist area

Avoid using an Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) or cash machine in a tourist area as this is a common place for pickpockets to gather.

If you have to use an ATM, watch who is behind you at all times and make sure you use your hand to cover the Personal Identification Number (PIN) keystrokes you type into the machine.

Try using these strategies next time you travel, and you will avoid being the pickpocket’s next victim.

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