Always know
what's inside your wallet, so that you'll have an inventory for insurances
purposes in case of a theft.
Keep your wallet
in a button-down inside breast
pocket if you can. Westchester County, New York,
criminologist Dr. Harold Gluck no*****hat Ernest Hemingway was always
fund-keeper when he traveled with friends, simply because the writer wore a
Spanish jacket with inner pockets buttoned. This slows pickpockets down
considerably. The inside breast pocket is also best because a dip ha******o
kiss the dog," i.e., face his victim.
If you do keep
your wallet in a hip pocket ('sucker pocket," the picks call it), a pocket with
a zipper is preferable. A wallet zippered in a hip pocket is somewhat safer
from theft or loss than when buttoned in, for a button can easily be cut or
break under your weight- especially if a handkerchief and other articles are
stuffed in along with it. Your people are easy marks for pickpockets because
their pants are generally very tight, and they have no safe pockets.
Other ways to
secure your wallet somewhat when carrying it in your rear pocket are to attach a
small pocket comb to it with a rubber band or place it in the pocket sideways.
don't be afraid
to yell if you feel fingers at your wallet. Pickpockets are a breed given to
discretion rather than valor, and they"ll invariably run. One detective said
that he has never met a violent pick, excluding gangs of young purse snatchers.
Carry no more
credit cards than you need at one time, and keep those that you do carry in a
separate case. Report a loss to the company immediately. A stolen card will
undoubtedly be fenced within minutes, and the underworld buyer begins to use his
instant credit instantly.
Always be alert
in crowds. Banks, racetracks, cafeteria lines, supermarkets, elevators and
airline, train and bus terminals are favorite hangouts for pickpocket troupes.
They are experts at their game - even when you are seated. All they need is a
crowd. Occasionally feel for your wallet unobtrusively in a crowd - especially
if someone bumps into you.
If someone
shouts, "Watch out for pickpockets!" or something similar at a fair or sporting
event, etc., be extra careful. This is an old trick pickpocket troupes use, for
when you check for your wallet, you tip them off as to just where the loot is
located.
Especially beware of pickpockets in topless bars, and porno
theaters. Dips make a practice of scouting them for victims who
might be too ashamed to report a theft in such places. But don't for
a minute think that pickpockets frequent only these places. They are
opportunists who work wherever the money is. They do their best work
at church bazaars, conventions and the like according to one police
lieutenant.
Remember that pickpockets are often among the most
sophisticated of criminals. When in unusual or crowded situations
don't be deceived by appearances, distrusting only shifty-eyed, sleazy
"characters." Many expert hooks are attractive young women who"ll
press up close to your and ask for a light for their cigarette.
They're expert enough to be able to lift your wallet while you"re lighting
it for them.
Often attractive female members of pickpocket troupes act as stalls.
In one common ploy the lady edges up close to a man seated on a park bench
and asks for a light. As he leans forward to accommodate her, her
accomplice picks his exposed rear pocket.
Take particular care when a man or woman near you in any crowd has a
raincoat or jacket casually draped over the shoulders. This is a
favorite trick of picks. It leaves their quick hands free to work
unseen.
Above all carry only what cash you need. Consider wearing a money
belt if you must carry large sums of money. These are available
disguised as regular belts, but have a zippered compartment on the inside.
If your are the victim of a pickpocket, report your loss to the police
immediately. This probably won"t get your wallet back (not with any
cash left in it), but it will help police pinpoint areas that pickpockets
are currently working.