Comments on: How to Protect Yourself From Pickpockets in Europe

on 8/8/2006 There have been several instances where a would-be pick-pocketer has tried to pull one over on me, however, they have never gotten away with it. I have come up with a simple solution to help try and stop them.

Learning to carry your wallet or money in your front pocket is good, but as a secondary measure, take one of your favorite pants that you use for traveling and have a zipper sewn into one of the front pockets. By doing so you are making it that much harder for a thief to pick your pocket.

Also, do not carry a big bulky wallet in your pocket. Bring only what you need. A credit card, a worldwide ATM card, a little bit of local currency, and your ID (IE drivers license.). You really do not need anything else. You do not need pictures of your kids, dog, friends, etc. You do not need your library card or grocery discount card either. Bring only what you need. Also, on the back of your credit card have marked "MUST CHECK ID" and on the front of your credit card have your personal photo put on there by the credit card company. Most credit card companies will do this free or for a minimal charge. Citibank was the first to do this feature. Also make your credit card company aware that you will be traveling overseas and to look for any suspicious activity. You can also set a purchase limit that any purchase over say $200, must be telephone verified with a special password.

Most thieves though in Europe and South America do not want credit cards, as they can get caught too easily by police. Most want cold, hard cash! So carry only what you need and never carry all of your cash in one place on your body. Have a few dollars in your wallet, a few in your shoe or hidden money belt.

Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings. Know the city where you are traveling to. Know what areas to avoid and keep a watchful eye out at all times. One way not to stand out, is not to dress like a tourist. Dress like a local, don't wear anything that will make you stand out in the crowd.

If you do wear a backpack, do not have your Frequent Flier Tag or Hotel Premier Membership tags hanging off it. That right there is a dead give-a-way to thieves. To help secure your backpack zippers though, use some travel locks. The harder you make it for a thief to steal your things the better.

Remember most of all, be a traveler not a tourist. Get out of the tourist areas and experience the local culture, food and the people.

on 11/22/2005 The flip out pocket is a simple pocket that hangs from your waist. It looks like a tiny fanny pack when you've got it out. The pocket flap has Velcro and has an elastic waistband. The only way to get it off is over the head. You simply stuff it down the front of your pants. I kept my money and passport in it. I also kept some emergency ID and money in my backpack. I would usually stow the pack at the train station when I got into town.

on 11/22/2005 I had heard that the trick was to keep your wallet in your *front* pocket, but someone picked my front pocket in the Paris subway. The front pocket trick might work *if, and only if* the pocket also has some sort of closure. I had also heard that a large wallet that fills the pocket is the way to go. This also didn't work. (I travel a lot and must be an obvious mark!)

on 11/22/2005 Everyone says you will get blisters, but if you have sturdy running shoes, you can put your bills and a little bit of loose change in your shoes. Sometimes it will be uncomfortable, but I'm used to it. No one ever thinks about this, or knows how to easily get money from your shoe. Plus, you'll know if it's gone.

on 11/22/2005 Use the safe that is provided in the room. Note that when you leave the key for your room at the desk, this makes it easy for a thief to determine if the room is occupied. (I had a camera stolen from my room in a 4-star hotel in Paris...The room was entered using a key.) I now take the key with me when in Paris, even though it is usually attached to a bulky key ring.

on 11/22/2005 Either carry your wallet in your hand while in a jam packed crowd (such as the subway) or better, keep it in your front pocket with your hand inside the pocket clutching it. That way, even if someone tries to cut your pocket, you can grab onto your wallet.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you always have an eye and a hand on anything you are carring with you (remember when backpacks are on your back they are behind you-you can put your right arm through the left strap and carry it in front of you in esp. busy areas). Whenever you set anything down make sure you have a foot through a strap. Put your bags at your feet rather than over the back of a chair at a restaurant.

on 11/22/2005 When I travel I carry my wallet in my shirt pocket that has a button or flap and I also place a ballpoint pen in the pocket to make it 'jammed packed'. So if someone tries to slip my wallet out I will certainly know it. They will have to unbutton my pocket and then try to take out the pen before they can even think about getting the wallet out.

It seems most hotels have safety deposit boxes at the front desk, so I leave my passport, airline tickets, etc. here rather than carry them.

on 11/22/2005 Rucksacks are a lifesaver when traveling, but when you're wearing one, the front pockets are vulnerable to thieves. When selecting a rucksack, look for zips w/ double pulls. Loop a combination luggage lock through the two zip pulls to foil pickpockets. It should also be sturdy, water-resistant and lightweight (once you load it up, you'll be glad it's light).