Over the past decade, the masses have been switching to online payment systems (Venmo, Cash App, etc.) or to credit and debit cards. The result? Individuals are currently carrying significantly less cash than they did 10 or even 5 years ago. One would assume that the decrease in cash would in turn decrease the number of pickpocketing incidents on the street. This is not the case.
Pickpockets in the United States are no longer targeting cash, rather they are ready to swipe away your smartphones that can be sold for hundreds of dollars, a much larger return than cash. An extreme case is a recent music festival in Austin Texas, where 260 smartphones were stolen from festival-goers.
In addition to electronics theft in the United States, cash pickpocketing is still present around the world. With the increase in international travel following the recent lockdowns, it is important to protect your personal items and cash when in crowded areas such as city squares and on public transportation. According to How Stuff Works, “A skilled pickpocket can make off with just as much money as an armed robber, without much danger of confrontation or risk of being identified in a line-up.” Therefore, the safest thing to do is to be diligent and know how to protect yourself from falling victim to pickpocketing.
The Most Common Pickpocketing Techniques To Be Aware Of
Entering or Exiting Public Transportation. Pickpockets like to roam around the entryway and exit of public transportation so they can quickly exit. Additionally, pickpockets are aware that you are the most distracted when entering or exiting the train or bus. When you exit a train, there are usually crowds and confusion as you try to figure out where to go next. Pickpockets are aware of this distraction and this is a perfect time for them to rob you. Even prior to entering a train it is important to be hyper-aware of pickpockets at ticket kiosks. A “helpful” local will offer to assist you however this can be a distraction as they are robbing you at the same time.
Crowding or Grouping. Be alert, especially in crowded areas. In crowded areas, there are more victims for pickpockets and the thief can disappear in the crowd easily. Also, noise can provide cover. In areas where people are forced to squeeze together, like that in trains, this gives a pickpocket the opportunity to stick their hands into peoples’ pockets and go unnoticed. Rush hour on public transportation is an especially high time for pickpockets because of the dense amount of people. The pickpocketing technique of the “Street Bump” occurs in crowded areas. Someone might bump into you and apologize, while at the same time grabbing your wallet before disappearing into the crowd.
Cafes and Restaurants. When you are out to eat at a cafe and you place your bag or purse on the back of your chair this makes it easy for someone to grab the bag and take stuff. In addition, when you are at a place that has a “quick-service” or a counter-service model it is common to place your belongings at a table before going up to the counter to order. Be aware as this is an easy way to get your belongings robbed.
The Mustard Scam. This is probably a technique that has never crossed your mind. It sounds crazy but this pickpocket technique is common and there are different variations. For the ‘Mustard Scam,’ someone might be eating a hot dog and ‘mistakenly’ get mustard on you. When they offer to help you clean it, you might take off your bag or place a personal item of yours down, and before you know it they are gone.
The biggest lesson from these pickpocket techniques is that it is crucial to be vigilant at all times. This does not mean to be paranoid, just hyper-aware of your surroundings.
Interested in learning more about security and best practices?
Take the initiative today and contact info@evansbrothersconsulting.com or call 617-545-1500 to set up a short, no-cost, preliminary discussion.
No one knows Boston like the Evans Brothers.