With an increase in traveling during past summers, many tourists have lost some of their belongings to pickpockets. This summer, however, things may change as a new social media trend gave rise to many anti-pickpocket groups and individuals like the Cittadini Non Distratti (Nondistracted Citizens) and Monica Poli (The Washington Post). These local volunteer groups and individuals thrive on catching thieves in the act, filming them, and reporting their findings to local authorities. This article will present expert tips on how to stay safe during your travels.
One important thing to note is that pickpockets are free if they are not reported immediately. Even if every measure of protection is taken, there is still a chance that a truly skilled thief will succeed. It is important to know the emergency service number of the country you’re visiting so that, even if you’re robbed, the proper authority can help you as soon as possible. With that said, here are some ways to prevent the loss of personal belongings in the first place.
It’s essential to know what pickpockets look for. The items most at risk are exposed and expensive like a phone or valuable pieces of jewelry. Tourists that appear to be not aware of their surroundings are also more at risk. One way to counter this is to keep all necessary valuables in belt bags that close securely and can be concealed under clothing. For objects that experience more frequent use like a phone or camera, a neck strap or something similar is recommended (The Washington Post). For more valuable belongings like passports, it’s best to keep them in the hotel safe if the hotel has one.
It’s also useful to know how pickpockets conceal themselves. For example, a common method used is covering one’s arm with a coat or jacket, thus hiding arm movements when they attempt to steal belongings. Other pickpockets choose to steal luggage bags, as observed by Lazza Ramo, a pickpocket watcher in Milan (The Washington Post). It is also common for thieves to work in groups of three or four, with some causing a distraction while others attempt to steal things. Tourists should always watch their belonging, especially in crowded public places.
The methods listed above are the basics of pickpocket prevention. For more guidance, please check out groups like the Cittadini Non Distratti. Remember that bad things can still happen even if every measure is taken, so always make sure you know the emergency service number of your destination. Knowing all of this, you can hopefully make that next vacation much safer.
Link to article: https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1690730288022x375736116869708400/How%20to%20spot%20pickpockets%2C%20according%20to%20TikTok%20watchdogs%20in%20Italy%20-%20The%20Washington%20Post.pdf
One important thing to note is that pickpockets are free if they are not reported immediately. Even if every measure of protection is taken, there is still a chance that a truly skilled thief will succeed. It is important to know the emergency service number of the country you’re visiting so that, even if you’re robbed, the proper authority can help you as soon as possible. With that said, here are some ways to prevent the loss of personal belongings in the first place.
It’s essential to know what pickpockets look for. The items most at risk are exposed and expensive like a phone or valuable pieces of jewelry. Tourists that appear to be not aware of their surroundings are also more at risk. One way to counter this is to keep all necessary valuables in belt bags that close securely and can be concealed under clothing. For objects that experience more frequent use like a phone or camera, a neck strap or something similar is recommended (The Washington Post). For more valuable belongings like passports, it’s best to keep them in the hotel safe if the hotel has one.
It’s also useful to know how pickpockets conceal themselves. For example, a common method used is covering one’s arm with a coat or jacket, thus hiding arm movements when they attempt to steal belongings. Other pickpockets choose to steal luggage bags, as observed by Lazza Ramo, a pickpocket watcher in Milan (The Washington Post). It is also common for thieves to work in groups of three or four, with some causing a distraction while others attempt to steal things. Tourists should always watch their belonging, especially in crowded public places.
The methods listed above are the basics of pickpocket prevention. For more guidance, please check out groups like the Cittadini Non Distratti. Remember that bad things can still happen even if every measure is taken, so always make sure you know the emergency service number of your destination. Knowing all of this, you can hopefully make that next vacation much safer.
Link to article: https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1690730288022x375736116869708400/How%20to%20spot%20pickpockets%2C%20according%20to%20TikTok%20watchdogs%20in%20Italy%20-%20The%20Washington%20Post.pdf
