Summer is right around the corner, and with that comes a number of impending travel plans for us to look forward to.
A holiday getaway might be what we all need right now, but it's equally as important to protect yourself on these trips - well, that's if a professional 'pickpocket' is to be believed.
The massive issue became a talking point in the news after an Italian woman went viral over the Easter weekend for stopping a pickpocketing from happening in Venice, then being attacked for revealing the crime.
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Travel insurance comparison website Quotezone have compiled the highest number of pickpocketing reports in European countries by detailing how many mentions each country gets per million reviews.
Italy comes out on top with 463 mentions, France is in second with 283 mentions, and the Netherlands rounds off the top three with 143.
It is something to worry about, and who better to warn you about the heinous crime than a pickpocketer himself?
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British professional theatrical pickpocket Lee Thompson, a member of the Magic Circle, revealed all to the Telegraph and explained how to keep yourself safe.
Who is a prime target and where can you find pickpockets?
Anyone can be a victim according to Thompson, though pickpockets often target high-profile individuals.
He explains: “Pickpockets target people who seem distracted, and they also target those who seem vulnerable,
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“They do this regardless of status.”
He claimed that they 'strike when attention wavers, or when someone leaves their valuables unguarded'.
They primarily work in crowded tourist areas, and can often work as part of a team.
The Metropolitan Police warn of potential distractions: “This could be anything from a game to a loud shout, all designed to avert your attention while an unseen accomplice steals your valuables,
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“So do try not to be easily distracted.”
But what are the specific things to avoid doing, and what should you as a potential victim look out for?
Don't dress flashy
Thompson warns that wearing designer clothes or expensive jewellery can alert the pickpockets.
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He advises: “Instead, opt for modest attire that doesn’t scream ‘tourist.’ Avoid those designer shopping bags, too.”
Pickpockets often operate in shops where people are stood still, making them easier to steal from, as the Met Police add: “It’s easier for them to brush past people, take items and blend into the crowd.”
Beware of friendly strangers
That is what Thompson advises, word for word.
“They may cause sudden commotions. These will divert your attention, so stay focused and assertive. This is especially important in crowded areas. That’s where pickpockets are most active,” the expert revealed.
In fact, there is a method called 'hugger mugging', which is explained by the Met Police: “They know all the tricks and are extremely light-fingered with most of their thefts only taking a second or two.
"One of their tactics is ‘hugger mugging’ where a thief will appear to be over-friendly for no particular reason and hug you while pickpocketing you,” they conclude.
Don't leave your belongings out
It's crucial that you don't leave your valuables more exposed than they should be, such as bags left on chairs, phones sticking out of pockets, or carrying unneeded valuables like passports around in public, according to Thompson.
He urges people to leave their things in the hotel safe, and to minimise your load to essentials and to keep them close at all times.
The professional also suggests wearing a money belt, or a front-pocket wallet for better protection: “They are not the most fashionable accessories,
“But they offer a discrete and effective way to safeguard your cash and cards.”
Purchase an RFID wallet
It is the 21st century after all, and pickpockets are finding ways to catch you out with advancements in technology.
Criminals can use it to steal personal information about you and your money remotely, scanning credit cards and passports from a distance, using card skimmers or RFID readers without you even knowing.
The solution here is to purchase an RFID wallet, which blocks these signals, or to get special card sleeves that stops electronic scanning.
Stay vigilant
It's common sense really, but Thompson advises that if you sense that you're being followed, change course, or go to a well-lit nearby building for safety.
"A pickpocket thrives on anonymity. They will likely lose interest if they suspect you’re onto them,” Thompson stated.
However, if it does come down to it, he highlights that your own safety is more important than your belongings, and to try and defuse a confrontation, though pickpockets aim to avoid this anyway.
But some pickpockets can escalate things 'if they feel threatened', so it's best to keep your wits about you.
It's a few things to bear in mind while travelling, but it could save you the headache of losing valuables.
Joshua Nair