Summer Pickpocket Alert

Summer brings wonderful weather to most parts of the United States.

Summer also brings crowded theme parks, busy fairs, crammed concerts, teeming airports, and jam-packed rail stations.

What do all these different situations have in common? They all provide the ideal surroundings for pickpockets.

First of all, let’s clear up some widespread misconceptions about pickpockets:

Experienced pickpockets are not necessarily the decrepit people hiding in dark alleys. They may appear as typical people on the street. Because of their chosen “line of work,” they may spend a large amount of time studying how to mingle in a crowd.

Pickpockets don’t have a typical schedule — they may operate day and night. They operate in crowds just as easily as “accidentally” bumping into an innocent victim alone on a sidewalk. In general, pickpockets tend to operate in places where people may be carrying more money than usual.

Quick Security Tip: Locations that pickpockets like may include store sales, fairs, carnivals, casinos, and bank entrances.

Many times, pickpockets work alone. However, there also are teams of two or three, which will sometimes include a female accomplice.

A common pickpocket scenario: The first team member removes the valuables from the unsuspecting victim’s pockets. He then passes them on to the next member who disappears quickly from the area.

When a female member is used in the team, her role is generally to distract the victim by engaging the victim in conversation, etc.

Contrary to what you may believe, experienced pickpockets do not put their hand all the way into your pocket to steal your belongings. The expert pickpocket reaches into the top of the pocket, takes up a pleat in the lining, and continually folds the lining up until the bottom of the pocket (holding your valuables) reaches the top of the pocket.

Believe it or not, this entire effort takes only a second or two!

Here are some pickpocket prevention tips for men:

1. The pickpocket target areas are back trouser pockets, and suit coat and sports jacket pockets, located both inside and out. In general, a pickpocket avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets.

2. If you have to carry your wallet in an unbuttoned jacket, coat, or pants pocket, be sure it holds only what you can afford to lose. Keep cash, credit cards, IDs, etc., in your front pocket or any buttoned or zippered pocket. Some people even place a rubber band around their wallet because the rubber band creates friction and rubs against the fabric of your pocket if someone is attempting to remove it without your knowledge.

Quick Security Tip: Unless you need to, it is best not to carry any document with your Social Security number on it as this may help the crook perpetrate an ID theft. In addition, it may be a good idea to carry only the amount of cash, credit cards, and other important documents you will really need on your person. All other valuables should be properly secured at your home or other safe location.

3. Never pat your pocket to see if your wallet is there. This just lets the pickpocket know the exact location of your valuables.

4. Larger-size “pocket secretaries” are particularly inviting to pickpockets, and relatively easy to steal.

Pickpocket prevention tips for women:

1. Do not carry your wallet in your purse.

Quick Security Tip: Conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zippered pocket where it does not show a bulge.

2. Use a purse that is difficult to open. A purse with a zipper or snaps is best.

3. If you are carrying a shoulder bag, place the strap(s) diagonally across your body, as opposed to carrying it on one shoulder. This keeps the purse in front of you, instead of at your side or behind you.

If you are carrying a handbag, make sure to hold it close to the front of your body, instead of holding it on your wrist or loosely in your hand.

4. Never leave your purse unattended on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart.

For more details, please go to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Web site at www.mpdc.dc.gov and check with your local law enforcement agency’s Crime Prevention Officer.

My Final Thoughts: It’s important to realize that pickpockets are not quaint characters from a Charles Dickens’ novel, so please don’t make the mistake of making the mischievous pickpocket’s job too easy. If you just put into place a few everyday precautions, you will make this appalling offense much more difficult for the pickpocket.

And, remember, your loss to a pickpocket may not be just a few dollars in your pocket. In this day and age of rampant identity theft, an experienced pickpocket may be able to obtain your personal information from your purse or wallet, and if they use that data to assume your identity, your monetary losses can easily run to the many thousands of dollars.

Copyright 2009 by Bruce Mandelblit

Bruce (Mandelblit.com) is a nationally known security and safety journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve law enforcement officer. His e-mail address is: [email protected].

This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.