How to Thwart a Pickpocket

How to Thwart a Pickpocket
By Don Miller

September 2004

Traveling should be a wonderful experience, unfortunately, the reality is that there are always people who are intent on destroying your vacation. One of those people is the pickpocket. Yes, we have all heard of stories of people losing their passports, their wallets and all of their money. But what can a traveler do to protect themselves? Here are a few tips to thwart a pickpocket's attempt to ruin your trip.

Women should leave their purses and men should leave their wallets at home. Only carry essential documents, which usually includes your passport, driver’s license, youth hostel card and one credit card that can be used overseas at ATM machines. Carry as little cash as possible.

Nevertheless, these items are just what a pickpocket wants, so it is not safe to keep them in your coat or pants pocket. Instead, it is advisable to invest in a neck pouch, which is a small bag, just large enough for your passport, that can loop around your neck and is easily concealed under your shirt. There are several different kinds, ranging from cloth to plastic to leather. We, at Live Life, prefer cloth. They are the most comfortable on the skin, they are least expensive and they are washable. Unfortunately, if you sweat a lot, it is possible that your important documents and money can get soaked through, however, this is easily remedied by placing them in a small plastic sandwich bag. The plastic and leather pouches, although sweat does not leak through them, are somewhat irritating to the skin and can also add that extra layer of heat that your body does not need. Some more expensive model even run a wire through the strap to make it difficult for thieves to cut the strap and steal the pouch.

Whatever pouch you choose, it is important that you actually keep your documents and money in them, and hopefully, they will keep them safe and dry and will allow you to truly enjoy the wonderful vacation that you deserve.