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Pickpocketers in europe..?

Travel Info
I plan on going to Europe this summer. Is there any way to try to prevent someone from pickpocketing me or just stealing my stuff?

Travel Tips

I come from a city known for pickpocketing tourists so here is what I tell all my visitors:

a) Try not to look too much like a tourist. I know it's hard with the camera and all, but when you're not clicking away keep it stowed in an inconspicuous shoulder bag (not around the neck, backpack). If you are going to be out and about with a (small) backpack, that's fine, just don't keep anything valuable in it. And needless to say that LLBean tag just screams "born in the USA". I know, they are my favourite too, but maybe this time around go for an indescript brand.

b) Avoid crowd situations. Tourist places can be crowded and that's okay unless your neighbours are touching you -- now you have to be very alert. There is a dumb trick that is starting to get old where you get "sandwiched" in a gang of pickpocketers -- the ones in front of you stop in the doorway to have a discussion and the ones behind you push you to get in, very common getting in and out of public transportation and at popular tourist sites. Hold your valuables tightly and shove your way out of there.

c) Keep your wallet (money, CC, passport) someplace odd. I keep my wallet in my front pocket, but I'm female and that is not where it is "supposed" to be. I've also kept it in with the diapers, someplace where no one would think of searching with their hands, P-U! If you are travelling with a baby ... Well, just don't keep anything valuable in your backpack or back pocket. Those thin little money (and credit card and passport) holders that you can slip around your neck and under your Tshirt are a good deal. Tuck in your shirt for extra protection.

d) Make sure you have your credit card in your possession at all times, except when you are watching the checkout clerk swipe it. Do not use it at a restaurant or any other store that seems dodgy.

e) Don't stay at a hostel where you will share your room with someone you don't know. Some hostels are school gyms with thirty people in the same room! If you do go for that kind of accommodation, just be prepared to share your bed with anything of value to you, and all of that will have to go touring with you during the day, too. Lockers at train stations can be a bit iffy, better not to use them.

f) And if worst comes to worst, make sure you have the telephone number for your bank to cancel a stolen credit card ASAP. Do this before anything else. I can tell you that in case of Prague, it is pretty much a waste of time to report the pickpocketing to the police (JIC they have an English-speaking office next to the giant bookstore located at the foot of Wenceslas Square / Mustek). The police are understaffed and in downtown Prague all they hear is pickpocket, pickpocket, pickpocket. They will type up a report, it will take a couple of hours, and then ... well, my aunt who followed none of my advice and got pickpocketed on the metro while wearing a fishing cap and an I LOVE NY t-shirt had her wallet and IDs mailed back to her, they must have turned up somewhere. Of course the money and CCs were gone.

g) That said, don't be too paranoid. Pickpockets are like cheetahs and you are the gazelle. If the cheetah smells fear on you, you will be eaten. Blow them off, they're just a bunch of losers anyway.

Have fun! Source(s): Prague is fun, Prague is great, but yes, Prague has a pickpocket problem.

Other Travel Tips
I am on a trip there myself, most people get really paranoid about this and it ruins the trip. At Morrie Luggage you should be able to buy a "fanny pack" that is so small and sleek it should fit under a jacket. The major problem is for ladies with long purse straps that can be easily cut.
I was at the Venis de Milo in the Louvre, another American got picked for 200 right in front of me....they left his ID and wallet on the ground....be careful...don't let yourself become another mark.

good luck....cash in pockets, no wallet in public is my suggestion....keep it in the hotel.
Don't try to look like a tourist and make sure you don't bring anything valuable and not a lot of money.
Stay alert when you'll be in Europe and they also pickpocket(steal) cell phones.
Almost happened to me once,her hand was already trying to open my bag, but lucky for me, my bag is type those that had a velcro instead of a hook/zip.So i cud hear it d moment she tried to open my bag..phewwww...LoL...They can open ur bags/nzip em without a sound etc so best u either carry a bag that rests right under ur arm.Also dont carry so much cash in 1 place when u travel,divide it into 3-4's then place it inside here & there.U can put some inside the small zipper area in ur handbag, stash some inside ur jacket or those safety bags that they sell in the luggage shops,money belt..etc.Keep ur camera's close at bay,try not to use backpacks so much coz they can unzip em without u knowin,especially if its on ur back.i have always prefer a sling bag or somthing that rests under my arm.Backpacks are rather to tell when someone is touching/trying to get into it.LoL..coz its huge.Bags usually offer a small zipper area,even backpacks in them.Also, when u leave ur hotel, u can always check if they provide a safe , so u can keep things that u wudnt need for the day there too.U just need to be very alert sometimes,if ure traveling wid a friend,then just look out for each other.Good Luck & have fun! Cheers! :)
keep your waller under your shirt or in your socks

good luck and have fun!!