Don’t Be a Target: How to Avoid Pickpockets
Getting your belongings stolen on vacation can turn your dream trip into a nightmare. It can happen anywhere, but some places are more infamous for pickpockets than others. Staying aware and taking precautions can keep you from becoming a victim.
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Check out the best ways to keep your stuff safe and avoid pickpockets while you’re sightseeing:
Research Common Scams
Every place has its own most common scams run by pickpockets. Some destinations may try to distract you to divert your attention away from your wallet. Others may blatantly lie to you to try to get you to fork over your cash.
Take a few minutes before your trip to Google the most prevalent pickpocket tactics so you know what to keep an eye out for. Cultural differences, political situations, and resources from place to place vary and so do the ways that criminals may steal from you. Knowledge is power!
Outfit Yourself with Hard-to-Steal Gear
Before you leave, outfit yourself with a few essentials that will help keep your belongings out of the wrong hands.
Hidden Money Belt
Keeping your cash, credit cards, and critical documents hidden keeps them out of the hands of pickpockets.
This hidden money belt lays flat under your clothes, so no one will even know you have it on you.
It features 2 zippered pockets and RFID technology, which keeps your information from being scanned and stolen electronically.
PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack
This is the backpack I take on all of my trips as my personal item. Not only does it have enough pockets for storing all my belongings, but it gives me a lot of peace of mind with it’s anti-theft features.
It’s constructed out of lightweight steel mesh that makes it slash-proof and the zippers interconnect to make them more difficult to unzip (it’s not hard if you know what to do but it would certainly stop a thief). Just like the money belt, this backpack also has anti-RFID technology.
This backpack comes in a variety of colors and while pricey, it’s much cheaper than having to replace stolen belongings!
Phone wrist strap
Unfortunately, it’s a known practice for thieves to literally steal peoples’ phones right out of their hands and get away (usually by bike).
Take away the opportunity for theft by keeping your phone attached to your body with this super affordable phone wrist strap. It’s easy to take on and off and will give you peace of mind while you’re out and about.
Bonus: having a wrist strap on my phone has given me more confidence in taking photos over ledges. I’m no longer afraid I’m going to drop by phone off a bridge, which allows me to get even better photos!
Apple AirTags
Apple AirTags have gotten a lot of press lately for their usefulness for keeping track of your checked luggage. Yet they have more uses beyond that.
Keep an AirTag hidden in your backpack or purse so that you have the best chance of recovering your valuables in case of theft (or if you just left it behind at a restaurant!).
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Don’t Keep Anything in Your Back Pockets
Maybe the easiest tip to implement on this list: move your phone and wallet out of your back pockets! It’s much harder to steal something out of your front pockets without you noticing. Of course, a purse (preferably cross-body) or backpack are good alternatives as well (because let’s be real ladies, most of our clothes don’t have any pockets at all).
Try Not to Look Like a Lost Tourist (Even if You Are)
If you’re walking around with Google Maps out and looking lost, you’re more likely to make yourself a target. In the spirit of “fake it till you make it,” putting on an air of confidence will help deter thieves.
In addition to being a target for pickpockets, you’re also more likely to be taken advantage of if you look like an easy target. Taxis may overcharge you or you may be fed bad information.
Stay Vigilant Near Major Attractions
Places like the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, or Christ the Redeemer are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But where there are tourists there are pickpockets. I’m certainly not advising you to avoid these iconic places, but when you do visit, be extra careful of your surroundings.
Tourist hot-spots are also where you’ll find some of the biggest crowds. Anytime you’re in a crowd, it’s easy to be jostled around and have items lifted off you.
Putting in a little extra effort to protecting yourself will save you money and a headache. Ultimately, it could even save your trip. There’s no need to be hyper-paranoid, but exercise your street smarts wherever your travels take you.
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