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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Things I do to discourage pickpockets

Whenever you travel Europe travel agencies warn you to watch out for pickpockets. While in London at Buckingham palace for the changing of the guard the local constabulary warned us about how to prevent thieves from stealing your backpack.

Rather than carry your backpack on your back carry it on your front when in a crowd. At all times be aware of those within arms reach of you.

My suggestions are;

Men should carry their wallet in the back pocket and ensure the button is done up. Be sure your wallet is horizontal rather than vertical. If it is hard for you to remove it is hard for a pickpocket.

When in a confined space put your thumb in your wallet pocket. This alerts pickpockets that you are a wary target.

Be very attentive to those around you, especially children.

Do not be afraid to look people in the eye or to stare them down. You will know who is a potential problem when they shy away or change their target by walking away.

If you are carrying cash place dirty kleenex over the top, even a pickpocket is disgusted by a snot rag..... if you find that repulsive then use clean ones.

And remember this is not just a European problem but a domestic one in major centers.

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