Queue at the supermarket, hustle and bustle on the streets, people wrapped in warm clothes — these are the pickpocket’s best allies. Pickpockets are everywhere around us, and in places with more people, their presence is even more likely. The most favorable time for their crime is between 7 and 9 in the morning, and in the evening after 4.
A professional can empty your pocket even while walking behind you on the street. Stealing something valuable from a pocket takes just a second. A thief doesn’t necessarily fit the stereotype of a shady character. Even among 12-13 year old teenagers, there are master thieves. AdmiGram.com warns about how not to become a victim of pickpockets.
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Teenage girls have become increasingly involved in this trade. They have a very unassuming appearance: no makeup, no earrings. You may stand next to such a diligent student, and a minute later — your wallet or phone is gone. The female gender is no less skilled than men, but they work very professionally and delicately.
They operate in teams of three or four people. They create a crowd around the victim, isolate anyone who might notice, encircle the target, quickly pass on the stolen item, and instantly disappear.
For men, it’s easier and simpler to steal from the back pockets of trousers. For women, they either unzip the purse or cut it open with a half-safe razor blade or a sharply honed coin. So, in a crowd, women are best off holding their purse close to their chest, while men should put their money and documents in the inner pocket of their jacket.
If you feel like someone is trying to reach into your pocket or purse in a crowd or busy place, there’s no need to be afraid. You can calmly say something like: ‘You’re not doing a good job, be more subtle!’ The thief will immediately run away.
Precautionary measures in public places
Never hide your wallet and other valuables in the back pocket of your pants. If you naively think that you’ll sense an ‘attack from behind’ through your rear end, you’re deeply mistaken — pickpockets start their training by targeting the back pockets of trousers and the front pockets of jackets. Any young thief can empty all your pockets in just two seconds.
Don’t look for a criminal personality in a crowd: anyone can be a thief, from a delicate girl to an elderly woman. Pay attention to your feelings: if someone presses too closely against you from the side, it’s a warning sign. Perhaps a pickpocket is already exploring your pockets or bag. Also, if a dispute or commotion starts in a crowd, it means that thieves are already at work, trying to divert your attention.
Pull yourself together, check your pockets and bag, fasten all buttons and locks. If you’re accidentally stained, and then someone persistently offers to help — this is a distraction tactic: that’s how ‘shakers’ work, making precise movements to feel your pockets and shake out everything they need.
If you have a backpack, take it off your back and hold it in front of you. The same rule applies to bags: hold them in your hands with the locks fastened towards yourself. Don’t carry too many valuables and documents with you. If you have a package of documents, put it in an inside pocket of your briefcase, bag, or outerwear.
Don’t stand near exits — it’s easier for a pickpocket to grab your bag or backpack and run out at the nearest stop. Don’t talk to friends or on the phone about documents or valuables that are with you — this will only attract the attention of thieves.
Pay attention to the eyes of passengers or fellow travelers: pickpockets hide their eyes under caps, and their gaze is often sidelong — they don’t want to be remembered or identified. The only exceptions are rare ‘models’ who divert attention with their appearance while their ‘partners’ do the work.
Only 2% of pickpocket victims report the theft to the police. Pickpockets are well aware of this, so the feeling of impunity and freedom makes them bolder. If you’re robbed on public transportation, report it using the emergency button to the driver or a police officer at the nearest stop.
The main thing is not to try to apprehend the pickpocket yourself (unless you are a man and 100% sure of your strength): a thief can attack you with a knife or a sharp object. Be vigilant, follow simple rules, rely only on yourself — your safety is in your hands.
image on top: Kat Northern Lights Man / Flickr
