There are reports of petty crimes no matter how 'safe' and friendly a country has been rated to be. Since safety is always the number one priority when travelling, learning to outsmart a pickpocket can actually save anyone's life.
At this point, prevention is the cure and looking at a scenario through the eyes on a pickpocket can be a helpful tool. A report from How Stuff Works explains the normal scenarios where pickpockets do their techniques.
Based on this report, pickpockets and snatchers normally target tourists because they complete the perfect formula. They keep all their valuables in one place like a wallet or a bag. They are mostly jetlagged. Most of all, they are very easy to pick out from crowded places since they look more vulnerable.
A report by Rick Steves provides solutions to these issues. First is to always stay vigilant. Guard bags and pockets when in crowded places. Look out for individuals who carry newspapers, large empty bags and jackets. It is normal for pickpockets to carry these things to easily cover the movement of their hands.
Second is to not keep all valuables in one place and keep photocopies of important documents somewhere safe. Leave expensive things like jewellery locked up in the hotel room. Keep enough money where reachable and the rest of your cash stashed away in a small pouch inside your shirts or in money belts.
Third is to blend in with the environment. The more an individual looks and acts like a tourist, the more vulnerable they will be for crime. Don't wear flashy clothes and expensive looking jewellery. Most definitely, avoid large crowds of other tourists.
Last is to don't trust others too easily. While pickpocketing is a serious problem, a much larger issue would be con artists that will fool money out of unknowing individuals. Keep a friendly but distanced stature. Always be alert with strangers that will approach like people pretending they are lost, acting like tour guides and many more.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
