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Pickpockets

Pickpockets’ greatest advantage is the fact that most people don’t believe it can happen to them. Pickpocketing is one of the oldest criminal professions, and is still very prevalent in Europe. It's no secret that pickpockets target tourists, especially the American kind. The United States is a rich country, and they know that American tourists carry the best cameras, the most money, and the latest, priciest electronic gadgets .

Top ten cities to beware of pickpockets:
1. Barcelona, Spain
2. Rome, Italy
6. Florence, Italy

(Game on! We made 3 of the top 10)

Distraction
Most pickpockets employ some element of distraction:
- Someone passes by you and "accidentally" drops money.
- Some people begin a loud argument or fight.
- A sign stating "Beware of Pickpockets", so everyone in the area reaches for their wallets to make sure it is still there. This enables the pickpockets to find out where people's wallets are.
- A street child flashes a toy, newspaper or anything else in your face.
- A prostitute offers her services and keeps touching you in the process.
- A drunk, unwashed person grabs your arm and tries to talk to you.
- Insistent begging.

(I'm glad I will have a magician with me!)

Steps to keep you and your valuables safe:

Step 1 Maintain vigilance. Do not allow strangers to intentionally approach or touch you for any reason.

Step 2 Avoid letting others see where you keep your money. Be as inconspicuous as possible when paying for things. DO NOT leave your handbag open when paying for something - ALWAYS close it up.

Step 3 Keep all valuables on your person and close to you at all times, preferably in front of your body. If you must use a backpack wear it under your arm rather than on your back, where it is out of your sight. If you must carry a purse or bag, choose one that you can carry across your chest. If it has a flap, keep the flap and latch side against your body. A handbag with a double closure system is more work for the thief. On the sidewalk, walk against the wall instead of along the curb, and keep your purse on the side of you facing the wall. Beware of Vespa thieves who zip up on their scooters to snatch away purses.

Step 4 Store money and credit cards in a money belt around your waist or neck. If must keep something in your pocket, make sure it is a tight-fitting pocket that buttons or zips shut. A rubber band wrapped around your wallet makes it harder to slip out easily. A pocket comb tucked inside and facing up makes it even more difficult to slip out.

Step 5 Use safety pins to secure zippers on your purses, backpacks, pockets or fanny packs. Make sure that your bags are closed at all times. An open bag is an easy target for pickpockets.

Step 6 Place the strap of a purse or backpack under your chair leg to deter pickpockets while you are seated at a restaurant or elsewhere. Never leave a bag hanging on back of your chair. DO NOT set your handbag down ANYWHERE - place it in your lap if sitting down.

Step 7 Leave anything you don't need on you locked in the cabin safe. Take only one credit card and a small amount of cash for the day. Also, carry only a photocopy of the first page of your passport rather than the real thing.

Step 8 Maintain physical contact with your luggage at the airport or while you're traveling to or from the ship. The more bags you carry, the easier it will be for a pickpocket to target one of them, so don't give them the opportunity.

Step 9 Keep your wallet, camera or other valuables at the bottom of your backpack or knapsack if you are carrying one. If a pickpocket does manage to get your bag open, he or she will have to rummage around to find anything of value.

Step 10 Maintain extreme caution in highly crowded areas, including public transportation and elevators or escalators. DO NOT allow anyone to come between you and your party. Nonchalantly keep a hand on your valuables. Make it a habit of brushing the area of your wallet with your hand once in awhile, this will help you feel more secure and IF you lose your wallet, you will know fairly soon after.