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Be careful with doing that in crowded public places. It's a helpful behavior to you, but its also a helpful behavior to pickpockets.
by warfangle 11y ago
Be careful with doing that in crowded public places. It's a helpful behavior to you, but its also a helpful behavior to pickpockets.
- lunchables 11y agoI carry 3 thigns: keys, phone, wallet. Each in a different pocket. I tap both front pockets using both hands at the same time, then repeat for back pockets. So essentially I've told a pickpocket: I keep things in my pockets. Not sure what new information I've armed him with.
- infinityplus1 11y agoYou have given him indication that you have something in your pocket worth saving from getting stolen. That's pretty big.
- dpark 11y agoDo you often have things in your pockets not worth saving from being stolen? If it's in your pockets, is probably at least moderately valuable. Wallet and phone area obviously valuable. Keys might be. Those are the only things a pickpocket is likely to expect from your pockets, and tapping your pockets probably doesn't change that
- infinityplus1 11y agoSuppose you are the thief. In a crowd of people, no one but one person is touching is pockets to check something. You will be attracted to that person and become curious as to what is in his pocket. He's the odd one out.
- dpark 11y agoProbably not. The guy who is checking his pockets just seems like a riskier target.
- infinityplus1 11y agoGood idea. That balances out.
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- Cyph0n 11y agoThe bulge is enough for an attentive pickpocket, especially with how large smartphones have become. Prevention is unlikely, so just check periodically so you aren't surprised later. Further, I think it might even signal to a potential pickpocket that you are aware of you surroundings, even though it's just habit.
- tdicola 11y agoPut things in your front pockets. If you're in a really suspicious area (like traveling through tourist traps abroad) use a hidden body wallet / money belt (they're like a small fanny pack that ties around your stomach under your clothes).
- Tharkun 11y agoI read a lengthy article about the demise of the pickpocket a while back. Probably on HN. From what I remember, it basically said that pickpockets have gone all but extinct, their skills a thing of a bygone age.
- NetStrikeForce 11y agoSo you haven't been in Barcelona recently :)