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Pick pockets and snatch and run thieves: One of the most frustrating crime that often befall tourists is being pick pocketed. This is because most of the time the victim is not aware that it even happened to them, so consequently rack their brain and retrace their steps in an effort to find what they believe is a mislaid wallet. Do not be hasty in accusing a shop employee of failing to produce your wallet just because their shop was the last place that you used it. Pickpockets often hang around shopping areas to see who is flush with cash. The best way to avoid such a serious disruption to your travels is to know how to protect yourself. Do not flash you money Countries that have a high exchange rate means that if you use cash then you will have wads of it, and it is hard to conceal. Exchange only small amounts at a time and always use a bank that has international roots. Preferably one that you recognize from back home. Never exchanged money with your taxi driver or a shop keeper and especially not from anyone who approaches you no matter how good of a deal they offer. There is a likely chance that what they give you in exchange for good currency will be counterfeit. They hope that being tourists, you may not be able to spot a fake bill. Ultimately a credit card or bank card that is insured (most bank issued cards are) against theft is your best bet. Secondly we would recommend travelers checks. Be sure to buy travelers checks that are highly acceptable not some obscure ones that no-one recognizes or accepts. Put your wallet in front pocket even though it will feel awkward. Hip pockets are not a good choice. It is extremely easy for a deft pickpocket to slip your wallet out without you feeling it, and those that are not so confident of their abilities, will use a body bump to distract you. Some will even use a razor to cut your pocket to facilitate easier removal. Unfortunately the razor can be turned into a weapon h0owever most pickpockets are not armed because if the are caught with a weapon the punishment is extreme in some countries. An inside jacket pocket is even worse. Seems hard to believe doesn't it. Usually on the more affluent people carry their wallet inside their jacket, automatically making them appear ripe for picking. If they can get you to turn in such a way that your jacket is no longer clinging to your body, then they can slip a hand in and relieve you of the burden of hauling all that money around. Purses are an even easier target. Many people will hang their purse or camera over the back of the chair when sitting in a street side restaurant. Using an accomplice, who will slip and fall off to one side of you, the thief will lift it off and place it out of site or just take off running. Remember they know the area and unless you are a sprinter they will be tough to catch. Leaving it in plain site where you can see it in the table is no better. You may be approached by a courteous person offering to guide you or pretending to mistake you for someone else. There will usually have a newspaper or a jacket or even doff their hat in a respectful manner. These are just tools of the trade and will help to cover your valuable that they swipe right off the table right in front of your eyes while you mind is blinding your eyes by telling you that you just had a pleasant encounter with a local. Not so. It can be done so smoothly that you may not even realize it until you go to pay and have no money. Personal Safety, Scams, Romantic victimizing are all other matters and will be addressed shortly. Back to our safety page. |
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