Best life hacks for protecting yourself from pickpockets while traveling

Being left without money on the road is not the best of adventures. However, it can be avoided if you recognize the danger in time. OBOZREVATEL found out how to protect yourself from pickpockets.

Where pickpocketing is most common

There are several places where it is easiest to run into a thief. These are crowded locations, such as markets, shopping centers, and the most popular attractions. So it's understandable why the Vatican is considered the most criminal place in the world. Dozens of thefts occur there every day because the streets are filled with thousands of people trying to take pictures or look at something.

How to recognize a pickpocket

There are several signs that give away a pickpocket:

• They are constantly looking around. This is how they search for a potential victim.
• The criminal carries a bag or a package to cover the hand with which they take out the wallet.
• They try to get closer to you and use all methods to do so: holding out their hand at the exit of public transport, pretending to trip and accidentally lean on you, helping you pick up things that have fallen to the ground, etc.

What a potential victim looks like

An experienced robber can accurately determine how much money is in a person's wallet. They can do it by looking at the clothes, accessories, the way the future victim holds the bag, and how confidently they stand. However, it is not about everyone. Criminals usually choose distracted and inattentive passersby. These are usually women, pensioners, and teenagers.

How to protect yourself

There are several proven methods to help minimize the risk of getting caught by a thief:

• Use a credit card and carry a small amount of cash just in case. Then, in case of theft, you can quickly block your accounts.

• Leave some of your money at home for reassurance.
• Do not put your wallet in your bag. The safest place is an inside pocket of your jacket.
• Get a fake wallet. Let it be in plain sight.
• Don't put money or your phone in the pockets of your pants. It's easy to get them out of there.

• If you can't do without cash, put it in different places.
• Be especially careful in public transportation. Prepare your fare in advance, keep your bag in front of you, and watch out for those who stand too close to you.
• If you do become a victim of a criminal in an unfamiliar country or city, contact the local police, and they will try to help you.