How to Avoid Pickpockets and Thieves While Traveling

Vacations are supposed to be stress-free. Unfortunately, all it takes is for a pickpocket to get your front pocket wallet (or worse, your passport) for your trip to turn into a nightmare. In this article, you’ll find a few tips and tricks to outsmart pickpockets and thieves, so you can spend your well-deserved holiday without worry.

Types of Pickpockets and Thieves

The typical pickpocket is the one that trails you to stealthily pick your bi-fold wallet for men from your pocket. This, sadly, isn’t the only type of pickpocket you should keep an eye on. There are several types of thieves that are waiting for that window of opportunity:

#1 The Drive-By Thieves

Now, they aren’t technically pickpockets since they don’t pick your front pocket wallet. However, they are a common threat in touristy areas such as London. This kind of “pickpocket” drives by in a motorbike, coming up behind you to grab your handbag. There’s no point in chasing these criminals, as they’ll have driven away by the time you notice.

#2 The Helping Hands

You’re lugging around a big bag at the train station when a stranger approaches you to lend a “helping hand”. They seem they’re being genuinely helpful, so you hand them your luggage. The moment they get their hands on it, they run into the crowd, and your bag is gone for good.

#3 The Typical Pickpocket

This kind of pickpocket walks in crowded areas, keeping their eye on tourists’ back pockets and backpacks. Because of their fast hands, they’re able to snatch your wallet without you noticing. While you take photos of the sights and take in the sounds, unknown to you, your bi-fold wallet for men has already been stolen.

#4 The Bumper

You’re wading through a crowded area when a stranger slams into you. They say they’re sorry and continue on their way. You then notice that your watch is no longer on your wrist, and your metal front pocket wallet is no longer in your pocket.

#5 The Slasher

This kind of pickpocket can be dangerous because they rely on a knife to carry out their crimes. Like the typical pickpocket, they wait in touristy areas like markets and look for someone with a backpack that’s easy to slash. Once they find a target, they get behind them, slash the bag, grab their belongings, and run.

How to Outsmart Pickpockets and Thieves

Here’s what you can do to prevent thieves from getting away with your valuables such as your bi-fold wallet for men, passport, and more:

#1 Leave Your Valuables at Home

Why would you bring your valuables on your vacation? Pickpockets are keeping their eye out for people that look like they’re made of money, so if you walk around wearing a Rolex, you can expect to be pickpocketed.

#2 Bring Enough Cash

Bring enough to get you through the day. That way, in case your front pocket wallet gets stolen, you won’t end up penniless. Keep the rest of your cash in your hotel room, preferably in the safe or in a bag that can be locked.

#3 Use an RFID Wallet

An RFID wallet blocks radio waves that skimmers use to wirelessly steal the data that’s written on your RFID-enabled credit card and passport. Purchase an RFID-blocking wallet like the Trayvax Original 2.0, or alternatively, an RFID-blocking insert like the Trayvax RFID Armor Plate.

#4 Split Up Your Money

Don’t put your cash in one place -- split them up. Keep cash in your front pocket wallet, pants pocket, neck wallet, and so on. Avoid keeping your cash in your bag’s outer pocket as it’s convenient to access. If you want to be as safe as possible, slip a few folded bills into your shoes.

#5 Keep Your Bag in Front

When walking in crowded areas, wear your backpack on your front. If you’re carrying a clutch like the Trayvax Roam Clutch, sling it around your shoulder, and hold onto it as you wade through the crowd. That way, you’ll notice when someone’s trying to steal your things.

Finally, Be On Guard

You shouldn’t be on edge when traveling, but you should be on guard. Pickpockets know how to pick the perfect time to strike, and that’s usually when you’re distracted. Keep an eye on your surroundings and learn how to identify sketchy behavior.

If you’re in the market for other tools that can keep you safe from pickpockets, check out Trayvax today. We have a wide range of gear and accessories to ensure that your belongings stay by your side.