Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
Sep 16th 2003, 3:05 pm
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
"dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
Any tips will be greatly appreciated since I would hate to ruin my
mother's and my next European vacation with an unpleasant incidence
like being robbed.
By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
a vacation package "protection" enough?
Thanks in advance.
Lil
worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
"dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
Any tips will be greatly appreciated since I would hate to ruin my
mother's and my next European vacation with an unpleasant incidence
like being robbed.
By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
a vacation package "protection" enough?
Thanks in advance.
Lil
Sep 16th 2003, 3:59 pm
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
In article <[email protected] >,
[email protected] (Lil) wrote:
> After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
> worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
> variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
> what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
You sound like you have a good understanding of the situation, although
tourist, of ANY flavor stand out by their actions more than their 'look.'
Pickpockets more often then not work in a team... so should you. Look
out for each other. If your distracted, bumped or delayed in your
normal progress... you should become suspicious. When you look at
surveillance film of pickpockets in a crowd, it is usually very clear
that they are acting quite different from everybody else.
It is very hard to get at a money bag that goes around your neck when
you are wearing a tee-shirt.
>
> But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
> dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
> only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
> a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
> student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
> "dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
Please, don't look to be in some special victims club, its the backpack
the will label you... rightly or wrongly.
Pickpockets are a consideration in London... home of Jack Dawkins. But
not as much as some other places to be sure. What cities are you going
to?
>
> Any tips will be greatly appreciated since I would hate to ruin my
> mother's and my next European vacation with an unpleasant incidence
> like being robbed.
>
> By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
> will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
> a vacation package "protection" enough?
Robbery is unlikely... burglary... perhaps.
jay
Tue, Sep 16, 2003
mailto:[email protected]
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Lil
--
Legend insists that as he finished his abject...
Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."
[email protected] (Lil) wrote:
> After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
> worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
> variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
> what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
You sound like you have a good understanding of the situation, although
tourist, of ANY flavor stand out by their actions more than their 'look.'
Pickpockets more often then not work in a team... so should you. Look
out for each other. If your distracted, bumped or delayed in your
normal progress... you should become suspicious. When you look at
surveillance film of pickpockets in a crowd, it is usually very clear
that they are acting quite different from everybody else.
It is very hard to get at a money bag that goes around your neck when
you are wearing a tee-shirt.
>
> But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
> dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
> only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
> a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
> student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
> "dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
Please, don't look to be in some special victims club, its the backpack
the will label you... rightly or wrongly.
Pickpockets are a consideration in London... home of Jack Dawkins. But
not as much as some other places to be sure. What cities are you going
to?
>
> Any tips will be greatly appreciated since I would hate to ruin my
> mother's and my next European vacation with an unpleasant incidence
> like being robbed.
>
> By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
> will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
> a vacation package "protection" enough?
Robbery is unlikely... burglary... perhaps.
jay
Tue, Sep 16, 2003
mailto:[email protected]
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Lil
--
Legend insists that as he finished his abject...
Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."
Sep 16th 2003, 4:03 pm
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
"Lil" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
> worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
> variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
> what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
> But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
> dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
> only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
> a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
> student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
> "dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
> Any tips will be greatly appreciated since I would hate to ruin my
> mother's and my next European vacation with an unpleasant incidence
> like being robbed.
> By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
> will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
> a vacation package "protection" enough?
> Thanks in advance.
> Lil
I recently returned from a trip to Paris with two other female
companions(two of us were 34, and the other was 60). None of us had any
problems whatsoever with pickpockets, and we all definitely looked like
American tourists! If you heed the tips people here have suggested, you
should be reasonably "safe" as well, overt tourist or not.
We all used "hidden" money belts a la Rick Steves under our clothes for our
passports and credit cards, and only kept a small bit of money in our
pockets (enough for that day/event only). Don't bring a purse, and if you
need to use a backpack, carry it on the front of your chest instead of in
the usual fashion. This is especially pertinent when you're on the metro or
standing in a crowded line. Cargo pants were especially helpful on the days
when I wanted to bring a few extra items but didn't want the target of a
backpack. As a diehard purse carrier, it was a hard adjustment to go
without the security of having something to carry, so if you or your mother
are of the same disposition, I recommend practicing going with nothing but a
driver's license, a credit card, and a little cash in your pocket a couple
times before heading overseas to get used to it--it is an adjustment.
You'll want to get comfortable handling your money in a different manner so
you don't look as conspicuous when you need to handle it over there. Don't
flash your money around, and be discreet at ATM's. Also, I advise you to
leave all your jewelry at home, even your wedding ring. It's just not
necessary to bring any of it. If you really feel the need to wear some,
bring only cheap costume jewelry and a plain, inexpensive watch. And
always, always, be alert and aware of your surroundings! That's the biggest
key of all. To tell you the truth, I walked alone at night, past homeless
men and rowdy youths and felt safer there than I would have at home.
As for not getting robbed in your hotel, we also stayed in a 3 star
accomodation. There was a little safe inside our minibar where we could
program our own passcode for it. Keep anything you purchase locked inside
your suitcase when you're out for the day, just in case your hotel staff is
less than honest. We had absolutely no problems with security or theft in
our hotel either, and felt very safe there.
And my biggest tip of all: have a great time on your trip and be vigilant,
but not so obsessed with being victimized that you become too paranoid to
jump in and enjoy your new surroundings.
Jinx
news:[email protected]...
> After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
> worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
> variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
> what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
> But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
> dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
> only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
> a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
> student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
> "dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
> Any tips will be greatly appreciated since I would hate to ruin my
> mother's and my next European vacation with an unpleasant incidence
> like being robbed.
> By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
> will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
> a vacation package "protection" enough?
> Thanks in advance.
> Lil
I recently returned from a trip to Paris with two other female
companions(two of us were 34, and the other was 60). None of us had any
problems whatsoever with pickpockets, and we all definitely looked like
American tourists! If you heed the tips people here have suggested, you
should be reasonably "safe" as well, overt tourist or not.
We all used "hidden" money belts a la Rick Steves under our clothes for our
passports and credit cards, and only kept a small bit of money in our
pockets (enough for that day/event only). Don't bring a purse, and if you
need to use a backpack, carry it on the front of your chest instead of in
the usual fashion. This is especially pertinent when you're on the metro or
standing in a crowded line. Cargo pants were especially helpful on the days
when I wanted to bring a few extra items but didn't want the target of a
backpack. As a diehard purse carrier, it was a hard adjustment to go
without the security of having something to carry, so if you or your mother
are of the same disposition, I recommend practicing going with nothing but a
driver's license, a credit card, and a little cash in your pocket a couple
times before heading overseas to get used to it--it is an adjustment.
You'll want to get comfortable handling your money in a different manner so
you don't look as conspicuous when you need to handle it over there. Don't
flash your money around, and be discreet at ATM's. Also, I advise you to
leave all your jewelry at home, even your wedding ring. It's just not
necessary to bring any of it. If you really feel the need to wear some,
bring only cheap costume jewelry and a plain, inexpensive watch. And
always, always, be alert and aware of your surroundings! That's the biggest
key of all. To tell you the truth, I walked alone at night, past homeless
men and rowdy youths and felt safer there than I would have at home.
As for not getting robbed in your hotel, we also stayed in a 3 star
accomodation. There was a little safe inside our minibar where we could
program our own passcode for it. Keep anything you purchase locked inside
your suitcase when you're out for the day, just in case your hotel staff is
less than honest. We had absolutely no problems with security or theft in
our hotel either, and felt very safe there.
And my biggest tip of all: have a great time on your trip and be vigilant,
but not so obsessed with being victimized that you become too paranoid to
jump in and enjoy your new surroundings.
Jinx
Sep 16th 2003, 6:50 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
First wear a money belt. If you wear one, the only way to rob you of your
money is to physically assult you (which does happen in Africa but rarely in
Europe). The general rule is to be less of a target than average. With so
many easy targets they'll pass you over. A money belt is key. I've met
Americans while on vacation who stored their passports in their back jeans
pocket, which was open and didn't button shut. For the money belt, get the
kind you tuck under your shirt & paints, below your stomach. The ones that
go around your neck are easier to take. Finally if you're not white you
should be less of a target.
"Lil" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
> worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
> variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
> what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
> But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
> dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
> only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
> a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
> student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
> "dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
> Any tips will be greatly appreciated since I would hate to ruin my
> mother's and my next European vacation with an unpleasant incidence
> like being robbed.
> By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
> will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
> a vacation package "protection" enough?
> Thanks in advance.
> Lil
money is to physically assult you (which does happen in Africa but rarely in
Europe). The general rule is to be less of a target than average. With so
many easy targets they'll pass you over. A money belt is key. I've met
Americans while on vacation who stored their passports in their back jeans
pocket, which was open and didn't button shut. For the money belt, get the
kind you tuck under your shirt & paints, below your stomach. The ones that
go around your neck are easier to take. Finally if you're not white you
should be less of a target.
"Lil" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
> worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
> variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
> what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
> But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
> dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
> only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
> a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
> student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
> "dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
> Any tips will be greatly appreciated since I would hate to ruin my
> mother's and my next European vacation with an unpleasant incidence
> like being robbed.
> By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
> will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
> a vacation package "protection" enough?
> Thanks in advance.
> Lil
Sep 16th 2003, 6:53 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
> We all used "hidden" money belts a la Rick Steves under our clothes for
our
Great advice (all of it, which I didn't quote).
our
Great advice (all of it, which I didn't quote).
Sep 16th 2003, 10:58 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
"Michael" <[email protected]> schreef in bericht
news:[email protected]...
> First wear a money belt.
First leave valuables, whenever possible, in your hotel safe. You only need
a passport when you cross a border, and do you really need 4 credit cards on
you?
A money belt is mightily uncomfortable and it screams "my valuables are
right here" to everybody. It is not a necessary tool, either. Just a wallet
with 100 euros or so and one debit or credit card in the front pocket of my
jeans / trousers is safe enough.
Sjoerd
news:[email protected]...
> First wear a money belt.
First leave valuables, whenever possible, in your hotel safe. You only need
a passport when you cross a border, and do you really need 4 credit cards on
you?
A money belt is mightily uncomfortable and it screams "my valuables are
right here" to everybody. It is not a necessary tool, either. Just a wallet
with 100 euros or so and one debit or credit card in the front pocket of my
jeans / trousers is safe enough.
Sjoerd
Sep 16th 2003, 11:36 pm
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
Following up to Lil
>After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
>worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
>variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
>what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
You seem to have the idea, discussions about crime focus on
crime, its rarity gets understated. (London resident 40+ years,
touch wood, never victim of crime here or in Spain/Italy). Dont
worry, have a good trip.
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap
>After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
>worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
>variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
>what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
You seem to have the idea, discussions about crime focus on
crime, its rarity gets understated. (London resident 40+ years,
touch wood, never victim of crime here or in Spain/Italy). Dont
worry, have a good trip.
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
UK walking "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" <-- you can email us@ this site
Spain,cuisines and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" <-- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap
Sep 17th 2003, 12:14 am
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in
Lil wrote:
>
> After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
> worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
> variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
> what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
Most tourists are fooling themselves if they think they look like
natives of the cities they're visiting. All you need to worry about is
to follow a few simple rules, such as keeping your purse firmly closed
and well withing your grasp, and don't keep all your money and credit
cards in one place. As for dressing down, I wouldn't advise wearing a
Rolex or extravagant jewelery, but this is partly because you could lose
them in other ways than having them stolen.
> I've
> only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
> a problem,
In fact, pickpocketing is more of a problem in London than it is in
Rome, according to the last statistics I saw. I live in Italy and travel
widely all over then place and have never been a victim of a pickpocket,
although I might have had a close call once. (I found my purse open once
when I thought I had closed it, and was never sure whether someone had
opened it and then got scared off.) Now you might say maybe that's
because I blend in; however, when I go to Rome or Venice or Parma, I'm
usually carrying a guide book and a camera like the other tourists, so I
don't think that's the case.
This past summer, I travelled around Italy a bit with my sister,
brother-in-law and nephew. They certainly didn't blend in, they didn't
speak any Italian, and they didn't have money belts or any of those
other security gadgets that people recommend. They had a great time and
no problems whatsoever. I'm sure you will as well. Just observe the
rules you'd observe walking around in New York or any other large city.
> By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
> will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
> a vacation package "protection" enough?
I usually stay in 2-star or less when I travel in Italy and have never
had the slightest problem.
Barbara
>
> After reading all the posts about pickpockets, I'm getting distinctly
> worried. The general strategy seems to be to hide your money in a
> variety of different places (with each cache containing no more than
> what you would mind losing), blending in and dressing down.
Most tourists are fooling themselves if they think they look like
natives of the cities they're visiting. All you need to worry about is
to follow a few simple rules, such as keeping your purse firmly closed
and well withing your grasp, and don't keep all your money and credit
cards in one place. As for dressing down, I wouldn't advise wearing a
Rolex or extravagant jewelery, but this is partly because you could lose
them in other ways than having them stolen.
> I've
> only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
> a problem,
In fact, pickpocketing is more of a problem in London than it is in
Rome, according to the last statistics I saw. I live in Italy and travel
widely all over then place and have never been a victim of a pickpocket,
although I might have had a close call once. (I found my purse open once
when I thought I had closed it, and was never sure whether someone had
opened it and then got scared off.) Now you might say maybe that's
because I blend in; however, when I go to Rome or Venice or Parma, I'm
usually carrying a guide book and a camera like the other tourists, so I
don't think that's the case.
This past summer, I travelled around Italy a bit with my sister,
brother-in-law and nephew. They certainly didn't blend in, they didn't
speak any Italian, and they didn't have money belts or any of those
other security gadgets that people recommend. They had a great time and
no problems whatsoever. I'm sure you will as well. Just observe the
rules you'd observe walking around in New York or any other large city.
> By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
> will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
> a vacation package "protection" enough?
I usually stay in 2-star or less when I travel in Italy and have never
had the slightest problem.
Barbara
Sep 17th 2003, 1:06 am
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
Are there any good suggestions for good decoys and booby traps for the
pickpockets? For example, I have a wallet that I just "retired", so I
plan load it with Monopoly money or cut newspapers and leave it in an
easily accessible pocket. Also, I was thinking of carrying a bag
containing a styrofoam ball studded with pins and needles.
pickpockets? For example, I have a wallet that I just "retired", so I
plan load it with Monopoly money or cut newspapers and leave it in an
easily accessible pocket. Also, I was thinking of carrying a bag
containing a styrofoam ball studded with pins and needles.
Sep 17th 2003, 1:15 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
"Sjoerd" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> A money belt is mightily uncomfortable and it screams "my valuables
> are right here" to everybody.
Apparently there are different kinds of money belts. Mine is just an
unconspiuous black belt with a zipper on the inside where you can stuff
pieces of paper (typically, banknotes). Nobody suspects there's money in
there. The downside is that you can't put hard or large objects in, i.e. no
credit cards, passports, airplane tickets etc.
Regards
--
Gaudete, gaudete, Christus est natus ex Maria virgine, gaudete
http://www.wschwanke.de/
news:[email protected]:
> A money belt is mightily uncomfortable and it screams "my valuables
> are right here" to everybody.
Apparently there are different kinds of money belts. Mine is just an
unconspiuous black belt with a zipper on the inside where you can stuff
pieces of paper (typically, banknotes). Nobody suspects there's money in
there. The downside is that you can't put hard or large objects in, i.e. no
credit cards, passports, airplane tickets etc.
Regards
--
Gaudete, gaudete, Christus est natus ex Maria virgine, gaudete
http://www.wschwanke.de/
Sep 17th 2003, 1:52 am
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
Joseph Feng <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Are there any good suggestions for good decoys and booby traps for the
> pickpockets? For example, I have a wallet that I just "retired", so I
> plan load it with Monopoly money or cut newspapers and leave it in an
> easily accessible pocket. Also, I was thinking of carrying a bag
> containing a styrofoam ball studded with pins and needles.
You're trolling, right? Or are you completely nuts?
---
DFM
news:[email protected]...
> Are there any good suggestions for good decoys and booby traps for the
> pickpockets? For example, I have a wallet that I just "retired", so I
> plan load it with Monopoly money or cut newspapers and leave it in an
> easily accessible pocket. Also, I was thinking of carrying a bag
> containing a styrofoam ball studded with pins and needles.
You're trolling, right? Or are you completely nuts?
---
DFM
Sep 17th 2003, 2:09 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or E
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] (Jinx)
wrote:
> And my biggest tip of all: have a great time on your trip and be
> vigilant,
> but not so obsessed with being victimized that you become too paranoid
> to
> jump in and enjoy your new surroundings.
Absolutely. Remember: nearly all travellers in Europe, even those who've
been wandering the continent for years, are never pickpocketed. (1)
I sometimes think the threat is a bit overstated, and I wonder if what
American-written guide books are really trying to say is not so much
"pickpockets are a huge problem", as "just because you don't hear much
about violent street crime in Europe don't forget there are other kinds of
street crime too". (2)
(1) I don't have a source for this, other than empirical observation of
everybody I know and talk to.
(2) Just to head the supposition off at the pass -- I'm not trying to
start a US-vs-Europe violent-crime thread here!
wrote:
> And my biggest tip of all: have a great time on your trip and be
> vigilant,
> but not so obsessed with being victimized that you become too paranoid
> to
> jump in and enjoy your new surroundings.
Absolutely. Remember: nearly all travellers in Europe, even those who've
been wandering the continent for years, are never pickpocketed. (1)
I sometimes think the threat is a bit overstated, and I wonder if what
American-written guide books are really trying to say is not so much
"pickpockets are a huge problem", as "just because you don't hear much
about violent street crime in Europe don't forget there are other kinds of
street crime too". (2)
(1) I don't have a source for this, other than empirical observation of
everybody I know and talk to.
(2) Just to head the supposition off at the pass -- I'm not trying to
start a US-vs-Europe violent-crime thread here!
Sep 17th 2003, 2:36 am
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
"Lil" wrote
| But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
| dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
| only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
| a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
| student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
| "dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
I'm not sure what an 'ethnic minority' is in London these days.
| By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
| will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
| a vacation package "protection" enough?
Hotel thieves will naturally target the better hotels; they are usually
larger and certainly have richer pickings.
Owain
| But what if you can't blend in because you LOOK different as well as
| dressing and sounding different? (I'm not Italian or Caucasian. I've
| only been abroad once--to London, where pickpockets do not seem to be
| a problem, and even there, I swear, I dressed like an American college
| student with a packpack and LL Bean parka so that they either thought
| "dorky chick from the country" or they suspected I was a tourist.)
I'm not sure what an 'ethnic minority' is in London these days.
| By the way, what is the probability of being robbed at the hotel we
| will be staying. Is staying in 3 star or higher hotel offered through
| a vacation package "protection" enough?
Hotel thieves will naturally target the better hotels; they are usually
larger and certainly have richer pickings.
Owain
Sep 17th 2003, 2:40 am
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
"Joseph Feng" wrote
| Are there any good suggestions for good decoys and booby traps for the
| pickpockets? For example, I have a wallet that I just "retired", so I
| plan load it with Monopoly money or cut newspapers and leave it in an
| easily accessible pocket.
You would be better ensuring that you simply don't use pockets that are
easily accessible to pickpockets. A few minutes' work with a needle and
thread and some small zips or Velcro(tm) can remedy the inadequacies of many
off-the-peg garments in this department.
| Also, I was thinking of carrying a bag containing a styrofoam ball
| studded with pins and needles.
That would almost certainly be classed as an offensive weapon in the
UK and if a pickpocket injured himself on it he would probably have a very
good case against you for compensation.
Owain
| Are there any good suggestions for good decoys and booby traps for the
| pickpockets? For example, I have a wallet that I just "retired", so I
| plan load it with Monopoly money or cut newspapers and leave it in an
| easily accessible pocket.
You would be better ensuring that you simply don't use pockets that are
easily accessible to pickpockets. A few minutes' work with a needle and
thread and some small zips or Velcro(tm) can remedy the inadequacies of many
off-the-peg garments in this department.
| Also, I was thinking of carrying a bag containing a styrofoam ball
| studded with pins and needles.
That would almost certainly be classed as an offensive weapon in the
UK and if a pickpocket injured himself on it he would probably have a very
good case against you for compensation.
Owain
Sep 17th 2003, 3:14 am
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Tips for not being a mark for pickpockets if ethnic minority in Italy or Europe
Joseph Feng <[email protected]> wrote:
> Are there any good suggestions for good decoys and booby traps for the
> pickpockets? For example, I have a wallet that I just "retired", so I
> plan load it with Monopoly money or cut newspapers and leave it in an
> easily accessible pocket. Also, I was thinking of carrying a bag
> containing a styrofoam ball studded with pins and needles.
Seems like a huge waste of time to me.
miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu
Site remodeled 10-Sept-2003: Hundreds of new photos, easier navigation.
> Are there any good suggestions for good decoys and booby traps for the
> pickpockets? For example, I have a wallet that I just "retired", so I
> plan load it with Monopoly money or cut newspapers and leave it in an
> easily accessible pocket. Also, I was thinking of carrying a bag
> containing a styrofoam ball studded with pins and needles.
Seems like a huge waste of time to me.
miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu
Site remodeled 10-Sept-2003: Hundreds of new photos, easier navigation.
