PICKPOCKETS: HOW THEY OPERATE AND WHERE TO BE CAUTIOUS?

Pickpockets are one of the most common threats you can encounter in crowded places. Their cunning and dexterity allow them to steal unnoticed by their victims. In this article, you will learn how pickpockets operate, where to be especially cautious of their presence, and how to protect yourself from theft. Knowing this information will help you maintain personal safety and protect your valuable items.

How Pickpockets Operate: Common Techniques

Pickpockets are a group of criminals specializing in thefts involving such valuable items as wallets, mobile phones, cardholders, and jewelry. They have various techniques aimed at stealing a valuable item from a pocket, bag, or backpack without the victim noticing. Here are some of the most common techniques used by pickpockets:

1. "Crowd Maneuver" The pickpocket takes advantage of a crowd to steal. While passing by, they touch the victim's body and then pull a wallet or phone from their pocket.
2. "Distraction" The pickpocket acts when the victim is focused on something else. This could be a question about directions, a poster, or a flyer meant to distract the victim, allowing the theft to occur simultaneously.
3. "Cutting or Staining" The pickpocket may intentionally cut or stain the victim’s clothing to distract them and steal under the pretense of helping or repairing the damage.
4. "Pickpocket Team" A group of pickpockets works together to distract the victim and carry out the theft. One member may cause a commotion or block the way while others commit the theft.

Where to Be Particularly Cautious of Pickpockets?

Pickpockets often operate in places with high concentrations of people, where there is crowding and chaos. Here are a few places where you need to be particularly cautious:

• Crowded squares and public transport stops: Pickpockets often exploit crowds at bus stops, tram stops, and train stations, where victims are focused on waiting for or boarding a vehicle.

• Shopping streets and marketplaces: Areas with many shops and stalls attract both shoppers and pickpockets. Victims are often absorbed in shopping and not paying attention to their surroundings.

• Restaurants and cafes: Pickpockets may operate in places where people sit, relax, and have lowered vigilance. Victims often leave their bags, wallets, or phones on tables or hangers.

• Public transport: Buses, trams, or the metro are places where pickpockets have favorable conditions to act, especially during peak passenger times.

How to Protect Yourself from Pickpockets: Best Practices

If you want to protect yourself from pickpockets, you must follow some rules. Firstly, pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware of your environment and the people around you. If you look around carefully, you will notice suspicious behavior early and avoid risky situations. Additionally, keep valuable items close to you. Store your wallet, phone, and other valuable items in inner clothing pockets or in a secure place like a chest pocket or a pouch. Also, avoid ostentatiously displaying valuable items. Do not attract unnecessary attention, avoid showing expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or modern electronic equipment. Do not forget to use anti-theft protections. Anti-theft wallets with RFID systems can protect against skimming, and anti-theft wallets prevent unauthorized access to data.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Pickpocket?

What to do if you become a victim of a pickpocket? You need to take four steps that will immediately secure your situation. Here they are:

Step 1: Report the Theft

Immediately report the theft to local law enforcement. Provide them with as many details as possible about the incident and the appearance of the perpetrator.

Step 2: Block Payment Cards

If your wallet with payment cards has been stolen, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible to block the cards.

Step 3: Report Insurance Losses

If valuable items covered by insurance have been stolen, report the losses to your insurance company, providing the necessary documents and information.

Step 4: Secure Your Data

If your mobile phone, travel wallet with documents, or other device with personal data has been stolen, change passwords for accounts, secure your account, and report the theft to your service provider.

Pickpockets are exceptionally skilled and use various techniques to commit theft. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, use appropriate security measures, and respond as needed. Remember the key risk locations and follow the best practices for protecting against pickpockets. If you become a victim of a pickpocket, immediately report the theft to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and take necessary steps to secure your data and finances.