How to Avoid Pickpocketing
Getting Pick pocketed or losing your belongings can be a concern in certain countries or cities, so it is always a good idea to know the basics of holding onto your valuables. There is no need to be paranoid, but there is no bigger frustration than getting your wallet and passport taken in the middle of a foreign country to ruin a great vacation.
While sightseeing, use a cross body purse with a zipper closure like this one from Travelon, or a belt bag and keep it zipped up and in front of you at all times. A zipper closure makes it harder for someone to slip into your bag without you noticing. Bonus points if you keep your valuables in a zipped pocket within the main purse zipper or within a zipped pouch that is clipped into your purse like this one from RE ROUGH ENOUGH.
Never carry valuables in a bag or pocket that is behind you like a backpack. If you are traveling with a backpack, I recommend carrying it on your front while wandering the streets of cities, especially busy streets and touristy areas. You may feel dorky, but it is effective.
Never set bags or purses down on the ground unless you have a hand on them at all times. I have had friends get their whole bag snatched while trying to buy train tickets because they set it down between their legs. If you must set a bag down, loop your leg through the arm strap so it is more secure.
When in a crowded tourist area, be mindful of your belongings. When you are distracted looking up at the top of the Eiffel Tower, it is the perfect time for someone to take your stuff. I like to keep a hand on my purse at all times so it is more obvious if someone tries to access it.
Be mindful of local tourist traps that might be a set up for pickpocketing. Some of these situations are set up to look like you are being asked to sign a petition, asking if you lost your wallet/sunglasses/etc, or selling trinkets. All of these are opportunities for their friend to come up behind you while you are distracted and pickpocketing you. Again, this is why I keep all my valuables in front of me, zipped up and a hand on it as often as I can.
Many women like to hang their purse over the back of their chair at a restaurant. This is a great invitation to thieves. Keep it on your lap, or continue to wear it as a crossbody while you dine especially when sitting at outdoor spots where anyone can walk by and access your chair.
Finally, here is what I recommend you do as a precaution in case you become unlucky. Always bring a couple copies of your passport when you travel. Keep these copies in separate locations. I like to keep one in each bag I bring plus a digital one on my phone. Having a copy available in the event of losing your physical one will make it a lot easier to get a new one to get home. Additionally, never keep all your cash in one place. Separate it between different pockets, bags, and people, so if one stash gets taken you aren’t completely wiped out. Finally, always keep at least 1 credit card back in your hotel safe to ensure you have a means for accessing money if your wallet gets taken while you are sightseeing. These are simple ways to make sure you get to enjoy your vacation.
