Buzz
Pickpockets are crafty thieves who specifically target tourists when their attention is elsewhere. The challenge lies in the fact that these criminals are skilled at blending into their surroundings, making them hard to spot. To protect yourself from becoming a target, always keep your wallet in your front pocket and stay mindful of your belongings. Avoid overly chatty strangers who may be attempting to distract you, and remain alert in busy areas. If you are pickpocketed while traveling abroad, file a police report and visit your country's embassy to replace your passport or ID.
Key Steps
How to Safely Store and Handle Your Wallet
Store your wallet in your front pocket for greater security. If you’re used to keeping your wallet in your back pocket, move it to your front pocket to prevent it from being easily stolen. Pickpockets often target back pockets because they’re less visible, but much more vulnerable. It’s harder for a thief to grab your wallet, passport, phone, or money if it’s out of their reach.
- Items in back pockets are more likely to rise up while you walk, making them prime targets for theft.
Secure your wallet with a rubber band to prevent it from slipping out. Stretch a standard rubber band over the middle of your wallet and tuck it deep into your pocket. If a thief tries to snatch it, the rubber band will make it more difficult for them to pull it out unnoticed, giving you a clear indication that someone is attempting to steal it.
- If you have the option, consider using a hook-and-loop fastener or fabric wallet instead of smooth leather. These materials are much harder for pickpockets to remove without you noticing.
Conceal your wallet in a hidden or secret pocket if available. If your clothing has an extra concealed pocket, use it to store your wallet. Pickpockets typically target easily accessible spots for valuables, and they won’t know to look in hidden compartments like an inside jacket pocket, invisible seams, or hidden breast pockets.
- For extra security, if you stash your wallet in a jacket, use a hook-and-loop fastener pouch. This will make noise if someone tries to access it, alerting you to the attempted theft.
- You can also hide money in pants with zippered inner pockets or in a neutral-colored infinity scarf with a hidden zipper.
Tip: Some clothing brands are designed with hidden pockets specifically to thwart pickpockets. Popular options include ExOfficio, Voyager, and SCOTTeVEST, which make clothes with concealed storage to keep your valuables safe.
Avoid digging through your wallet to count your money. Consider using a separate money clip for your cash or storing it in a secure pocket so you don’t need to pull out your wallet for every transaction. If you must use your wallet, only take it out when you’re ready to pay and hold it with both hands to prevent a thief from swiping it while you’re distracted.
- If you store your money in a pocket, choose a front pocket in your pants or jacket and keep it empty. This will make it less likely for pickpockets to target it, thinking it’s not worth stealing.
Create a decoy wallet to trick potential thieves. Get an old wallet and fill it with empty gift cards, random receipts, or scrap paper. Keep this decoy wallet on you while traveling, and if you’re targeted, drop it on the ground and run in the opposite direction. This will confuse and distract the thief.
- Don’t make your decoy wallet too visible—don’t stick it far out of your pocket, as this might tempt thieves to target you!
Protecting Your Bag or Purse
Opt for a purse with a secure fastening to deter pickpockets. If you usually carry a purse without a closing mechanism, consider upgrading to one with a twisting latch or zipper. These purses are more challenging to open, which makes them less attractive to pickpockets. For extra security, choose a purse with a built-in lock to ensure your belongings stay safe while traveling.
- Smaller purses are a better choice. Large purses provide more space for a thief to sneak their hand inside without being noticed.
EXPERT ADVICE
Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
Experienced Solo Traveler
Experienced Solo Traveler
Distribute your money across several locations, not just in your purse. Some pants feature interior zippers, perfect for storing cash. You can also hide it in a neutral-colored infinity scarf with a zipper. Since it’s an infinity scarf, no one will suspect that your money is tucked away there. This method ensures that your money stays secure.
Adjust the straps on your bag or purse to keep it close to your body. To prevent your bag from being snatched, keep it as close as possible. Shorten the straps on your purse or backpack and position it near you. This makes it harder for pickpockets to access your bag while you're on the move.
- If you want to make it even more difficult for thieves, carry your bag on your chest rather than on your back.
Hold onto your bag or backpack instead of putting it down when seated. When you sit down at a restaurant or on public transport, rotate your bag around your shoulder and keep it in your lap. Avoid setting it on the floor or hanging it from a chair, as this makes it an easy target for theft. You’re also more likely to forget it when you get up if you leave it unattended.
- Always keep your hands on your bag, with it positioned in front of you for maximum security.
Switch your purse contents to a fanny pack. A purse strap can be easily cut, making it vulnerable to theft. However, a nylon fanny pack that wraps tightly around your waist is much harder to cut or snatch. Move your cards and cash from your purse into your fanny pack, tighten the straps, and wear it just below your belly button for added security. This makes it easier to keep an eye on your valuables.
- Opt for a fanny pack with a sturdy buckle instead of the typical plastic one. Anti-theft fanny packs often feature tougher buckles and locking mechanisms to keep thieves out.
Securing Your Valuables
Take only what you need and leave the rest in your hotel safe. Most hotels offer safes for storing valuables while you're out exploring or when the room is being cleaned. Before heading out, secure your passport, extra cash, house keys, and expensive jewelry in the safe. This way, if you’re pickpocketed, you'll only lose a portion of your belongings.
- It's a good idea to leave some extra cash in the safe. That way, even if you’re targeted, you’ll still have enough to get by until the situation is sorted out.
Keep your phone in a secure pocket and avoid constant use. Store your phone in an interior pocket that's not easily accessible to thieves. Avoid pulling it out too often, especially when you’re focused on finding directions or navigating through crowded areas. If you must use it, hold it firmly with both hands and avoid staring at it for too long—limit it to 5-10 seconds at a time.
- When using your phone for photos, be sure to put it back in your pocket right after. Politely decline offers from strangers to take your photo with your phone.
- Print out maps at the hotel to avoid needing to check your phone for directions constantly.
- Even if you don’t plan on using it much, it’s wise to carry your phone in case of an emergency.
Hide your necklace inside your shirt and leave your watch in the hotel. If you wear jewelry, tuck your necklace under your shirt to prevent it from being snatched. It’s best to leave your expensive watch at the hotel, especially if it’s valuable. Avoid wearing jewelry with prominent gemstones, whether real or not.
- Unless they’re loose, rings are typically safe. However, be cautious with rings that have gemstones, as they might draw unwanted attention. A lot of visible jewels may lead pickpockets to assume you’re carrying a large sum of cash.
- If possible, skip bringing jewelry altogether. There’s no need unless you're going to a fancy event.
Protecting Yourself from Common Scams
Use ATMs located inside secure businesses. ATMs are prime targets for pickpockets. Some thieves may work in pairs—one distracts you while the other steals your cash. Others may try to spy on your PIN from behind. To minimize risk, use ATMs inside reputable businesses or hotels where you’re less exposed.
- ATMs tucked inside private spaces, such as those in restaurants or hotels, are far safer than those in public, open areas.
Pat your pockets to check your phone and wallet after a bump. Pickpockets often use the tactic of accidentally bumping into you while you’re walking or getting on public transport. When they make contact, they attempt to quickly grab something from an accessible pocket. After any such bump, discreetly pat your pockets to ensure that your valuables haven’t been taken.
- Try to avoid getting too close to people in crowded areas, as thieves rely on the density of people to avoid detection. Keep a firm grip on your possessions and stay alert in busy environments like buses, trains, or crowded urban streets.
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers, such as interviewers or fundraisers. Pickpockets frequently operate in teams, using distractions while one thief robs you.
Tip: Avoid pulling your wallet or phone out to check if they’re still there. Some pickpockets rely on the bump trick to make you check your belongings. When you pat your pockets, do so subtly. Publicly revealing where you keep your valuables can attract unwanted attention.
Maintain distance when someone offers directions. When asking for directions, always stay at least 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) away from the person. Don’t peer over their shoulder at a map or lean in too close. Pickpockets may use a map or pamphlet as a distraction while they steal from your pockets or bag.
- Be wary of unsolicited help. While most people mean well, some pickpockets pretend to assist you to get close enough to steal from you.
Dress modestly to blend in and look like a local. When traveling, try to blend in by dressing simply. Avoid bright or flashy clothing that will mark you as a tourist, and steer clear of attire that screams ‘tourist.’ Thieves are less likely to target someone who blends in with the locals.
- This may not work if you’re a red-haired Brit in India, as it might be impossible to blend in. But when in doubt, dress like the locals!
Keep your bags away from the street to prevent mobile theft. In many countries, thieves on scooters or bikes can quickly snatch bags or purses off your shoulder before speeding away. To avoid falling victim to this, carry bags on the shoulder furthest from the street.
- This type of theft is more common in countries where motorized scooters are widespread, such as in some parts of Europe. In the U.S., for example, this is not a common threat.
- Walk against traffic so you can see if a scooter or bike is coming up next to you.
Stay alert while enjoying street performances. Street performers often draw large crowds, and pickpockets see this as an ideal opportunity. When people stop to watch, they often pull out their wallets to give a tip. While there's no harm in donating to a performer, revealing where your wallet is kept makes it an easy target. Always keep your valuables close and stay vigilant while taking in street performances.
- If you want to donate, keep your tip in a pocket separate from where your wallet is stored. This will help keep potential thieves from knowing where your cash is when you reach for it.
Politely decline offers of help with your luggage from strangers. When you’re traveling with luggage, whether on the train or unloading from a taxi, it’s best to refuse unsolicited offers of assistance. Even if your bags are heavy, there’s a risk someone might try to snatch them when you’re not paying attention. While some people may genuinely want to help, it’s simply not worth taking the chance with your belongings.
- Though it may take a little more time, it’s safer to carry your luggage yourself.
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Always be mindful when entering or exiting taxis or rideshares. It's easy to forget things like your phone or wallet if you set them down on the seat next to you.
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Pickpockets operate everywhere—don’t assume they’re only a concern in Europe. It’s easy to let your guard down even in your home town, so stay alert no matter where you are.
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If you lose important items like your passport or wallet while traveling abroad, head straight to your country’s embassy. They will help verify your identity and assist with getting you home.
Important Warnings
- If you are robbed, don’t confront the thief unless you’re sure you have the upper hand—if they’re unarmed and you’re in a busy public place. It’s safer to report the incident to the police and let them handle the situation.
