| Imagine your self exploring the side streets of Rome, | | | | takes your wallet. |
| the narrow alleys of Bangkok, or perhaps navigating | | | | If a scenario like this happens to you, now you can |
| a chaotic bazaar in Africa. All around you are | | | | recognize it for what it is, a set-up. Your wallet will be |
| fascinating sights, unusual smells, and exotic people. | | | | gone before you notice it. The odds are slim, but if |
| As you gaze around, taking it all in, suddenly there is | | | | you have any hope of recovering your wallet, don't |
| a commotion. You are not sure what is going on but | | | | worry about the kid on the ground holding your legs. |
| your attention is distracted for just a few seconds. | | | | He will disappear in a moment. Instead, look around |
| But that's all it takes. You wallet is already gone. | | | | for someone walking away as if nothing unusual just |
| This is a typical example of a pickpocket crime. | | | | happened. That person is the one with your wallet. |
| Unfortunately it is a very common crime. It happens | | | | The thieves are very crafty. You probably won't see |
| every day, all over the world, particularly to tourists | | | | it coming. It is a much better strategy to plan for it |
| and other travelers. But a pickpocket doesn't have to | | | | ahead of time. Leave your passport, cell phone, and |
| ruin your trip. If you prepare ahead of time it can be | | | | most of your money back in the hotel, preferably in |
| just another interesting travel story you can take | | | | a safe. Buy a cheap wallet, put a small amount of |
| home with you. | | | | money inside it, and carry it as a decoy. Hide your |
| First, it helps to know common pickpocket tactics. In | | | | real money in a money belt or in an inside zippered |
| my experience, pickpockets almost always work in | | | | pocket. |
| teams. This is because their most important tactic is | | | | Another tactic is to cut a small slit in the hem of your |
| distraction. One or more people will do something to | | | | waist band. You can hide some emergency cash in |
| distract or confuse you. Your attention will | | | | there. Remember the thief only has a few seconds |
| momentarily be diverted just long enough for | | | | to get what he is after. He only has time to go after |
| someone else to reach into your pocket and take | | | | the easy targets. |
| your belongings. You won't see it coming and it will be | | | | Recognizing a pick pocket attack is not difficult if you |
| over fast. | | | | assume any suddenly confusing situation is part of a |
| Usually the teams will choose a narrow or congested | | | | set-up. It is better to plan in advance for the |
| location. The most common tactic is for one person | | | | likelihood that you will be the victim of a theft and |
| to suddenly fall down or stumble into you. Sometimes | | | | leave your valuables somewhere safe. Then you can |
| they will grab your legs. Or maybe a small child will run | | | | go home and enjoy telling others how you were |
| out of nowhere and hug you. These people are only | | | | pick-pocketed on your vacation and all they got was |
| there to divert your attention. The actual thief simply | | | | a decoy wallet filled with Monopoly money. |
| waits until you are confused or distracted and then | | | | |