Post: #1

Just got done watching a documentary on pick pocketing in Barcelona and just need to warn fellow travelers they are out in force. It's well known that when you're in a different land you tend to relax and that's when they pounce. They use every technique in the book my favorite being the 'reptile' where the thieves hide under deck chairs at night and wait for couples to go and have sex before sneaking out and taking all valuables. Here in London I have never been got but there is a lot of potential for it here because it's very busy. When I'm abroad or carrying my passport I put it in my shoe. What are your methods? I think we could all benefit from some anti pick pocket techniques.

Post: #2

I sometimes use a "fake" wallet. An old wallet with expired cards and maybe some Canadian Tire money or very low denomination foreign currency. Put that in my back pocket while my real wallet is in my front pocket or somewhere else safer.

Last time coming back to Canada I got sent to the back room, the customs officer finds it and asks "what is this?", I say "fake wallet,etc.." he says he has never seen one before which I find hard to believe.

Post: #3

I use the PacSafe coversafe for my Passport, credit cards, and larger sums of money. I keep a day's worth of cash in my regular wallet. It works well. Eagle Creek makes a similar item. I personally prefer the PacSafe.

http://pacsafe.com/coversafe-125-secret-belt-wallet

What is annoying about both items is that they seem purposely designed to be 1/8-inch too short to hold large sums of unfolded money (more than about $3,000), as if both companies were trying to prevent smuggling or something.

Post: #4

My trick is to carry little in the first place, especially when out at night and likely to be drinking. I'll take just ID, passport copy, and one credit card. Then, cash in 2-3 pockets enough to cover that night and then some. All the rest I leave hidden in my hotel room.

This doesn't work when I've just arrived in the airport and haven't reached my hotel yet, so I'm extra vigilant then.

Post: #5

I usually put my wallet in the front jeans pocket that is way too tight for anyone to pull anything out (heck, even I have problems sometimes), let alone unnoticed. This of course wouldn't protect me from outright robbery or someone snatching my wallet while I have it in my hand, but I think I'm pretty safe from simple pick-pocketing.

Post: #6

Just comon sense, that is what id o everyday. I can not understand how people just put their wallet in the backpocket of their pants, it is like they want to be pickpocked.

Post: #7

Wallets should always go in the front pocket and you should carry almost nothing on you. Not only because of pickpockets, but a huge wallet in your back pocket just looks horrible! Don´t be Constanza!



A harder issue is phones... it´s a bad idea for men to have them too close too our tools... and it´s a bad idea to have them in the back pocket because of pickpockets...



This website has tons of info on pick-pocketing and tourist scams in different cities, and some strange tactics thieves use.

The guys are a bit lame, but the info and the tips they give are gold, everyone travelling to risky places should check it.

Post: #8

This is an overblown problem. Who here has actually been pickpocketed? How can someone be so stiff they can't feel their own ass being tampered with?

Post: #9

I use a money clip, on weekends empty clip outside of ID and cash. Leave everything else in car. Use valet key only which can fit inside pocket of clip

Post: #10

I guess you should just practice regular street smarts. You quickly pick up on things that you shouldn't do (some is common sense):

-Don't flaunt a lot of money in public, you will be targeted
-Always put your wallet, money, cards, passport, whatever that is of importance, in your front pockets.
-Be aware of your surroundings. Going into the city center or plaza with a bunch of people walking around? Be aware and confident, and check to see that you have your things obscurely.
-As some have mentioned, it would be wise to keep things in your socks and whatnot, but then you run the risk of forgetting you have something valuable when/if you decide to go into the water, or what have you.

Post: #11

I like cargo shorts / pants, split things up, keep the credit card in one pocket, large denominations in another, small denominations in one of the back pockets, transit pass in one front pocket, phone in another front pocket or shirt pocket.

If I can't wear cargo pants, then use front pockets for anything I really don't want to lose.

No wallet.

Just have a system and use it.

Post: #12

Money clip, in your front pocket.

I haven't used a wallet in over a decade. It's bad for your back when you're sitting and it's cumbersome.

Would be curious to see the statistics of who gets pickpocketed. If someone is anywhere even close to my ASS or CROTCH I would know.

Post: #13

I keep a card and some loose cash in one pocket. I keep a laminated copy of my passport and enough money to get home in my shoe.

Post: #14

(09-11-2013 06:45 PM)McQueensPlayboyRules Wrote:  Money clip, in your front pocket.

I haven't used a wallet in over a decade. It's bad for your back when you're sitting and it's cumbersome.

Would be curious to see the statistics of who gets pickpocketed. If someone is anywhere even close to my ASS or CROTCH I would know.

Do people still carry a wallet in their back pocket?

I thought that was only something my grandpa did.

I do the same as you - money clip in the front pocket.

Post: #15

(09-11-2013 10:42 PM)MikeCF Wrote:  Do people still carry a wallet in their back pocket?

I thought that was only something my grandpa did.

I do the same as you - money clip in the front pocket.

Do guys on the W. Coast coast even have the option?

   

Post: #16

2 Things:

1. Buy one of these for when you're traveling through touristy or seedy areas. http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Wallet-Pass...pd_sim_a_1 (Note: There are cheaper ones if you search for "leg wallet" - I just picked this one because the pic makes it obvious.) Straps around your calf and will hold the bulk of your dough, passport, and credit cards. Keep minimal cash in your pocket, and only in your front pocket.

2. When walking through crowded areas, where people are close enough to bump into you, put your hands in your pockets.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #17

(09-11-2013 12:28 PM)RougeNoir Wrote:  This is an overblown problem. Who here has actually been pickpocketed? How can someone be so stiff they can't feel their own ass being tampered with?

Exactly, sounds like the sort of thing my mother talks about.

Pickpockets prey on weak targets like grandmas, not international players.

Hilarious that you see American kids in Europe with fanny packs, money belts, protective wire over their backpacks, pills for every possible ailment, rape alarms, gps, etc.

It's as if they're going to Somalia when in fact Prague will be about as off the beaten track as they will get

Post: #18

(09-10-2013 05:19 PM)Jsprint Wrote:  Just got done watching a documentary on pick pocketing in Barcelona and just need to warn fellow travelers they are out in force. It's well known that when you're in a different land you tend to relax and that's when they pounce. They use every technique in the book my favorite being the 'reptile' where the thieves hide under deck chairs at night and wait for couples to go and have sex before sneaking out and taking all valuables. Here in London I have never been got but there is a lot of potential for it here because it's very busy. When I'm abroad or carrying my passport I put it in my shoe. What are your methods? I think we could all benefit from some anti pick pocket techniques.

You actually walk around with your passport in your shoe? poor border guards having to check that!