Pick-pockets

[Chief]

Have you ever seen the magic shows on television where the artist has 5 or 6 people come up on stage and then takes their ties, watches, rings, billfolds, belts, et cetera and they don't have a clue? I think they all trained in the Dominican Republic. Be very, very careful, and they come in all ages!

[canadian bob]

Hi Chief! sounds like you generally carry cash & display your wealth to all & sundry... Never carry more cash than you really need to, keep the balance in Travellers cheques (with the numbers in a safe place,) Never tell anyone your plans for the day, keep your drivers' licence, passport etc in a safe place & carry xerox copies only. You're right about the pickpockets skills....
trouble is they are in every country in the world....too bad!! Canadian Bob.

[Chief]

The first lier never has a chance...so to speak. Yes, they are probably all over the world, and maybe Canada is worse than most places, but don't diminish the threat...it is worse here than New York. Besides, one generally expects that sort of thing in New York.

[Ken]

Pick pockets are a hazard wherever you go. So far I have been lucky in the DR, but did get my pocket picked in Venezuela. Two guys were working together in a line waiting to exit a bus. One dropped change on the floor in front of me, and while scrambling about picking up the coins, moving my feet around in the process, the guy behind me picked my pocket while my attention was focused on the guy in front of me.

A couple of precautions that I now routinely take. I carry my wallet in my front pants pocket, not the back pocket where it used to be.

I have a money pouch around the neck that is inside my shirt. My cedula, copy of my passport, credit card and ATM card, and most of my money is in it. If pickpockets should get my wallet out of the front pocket, they won't get much.

[Jim Hinsch]

Pick pockets don't have to be slick. They just pass it amongst themselves in a group, then spread out and run. It doesn't matter if you feel it being taken. It doesn't even have to be in your pocket. People have been known to have their money or cellphone taken right out of their hands, and jewelry from their person.

We used to walk around with monopoly money in our back pockets, very slightly exposed and bet how long before it would be pick-pocketed. Usually not long. As a hand approached, I'd make a sudden turn to look somewhere, and watch the thief try to act nonchalant.

[Jan]

Spread your money and things out..a little in each pocket. I always carry what I call "boob money". Enough to get a cab home with and a few beers. I carry a purse but when I am going out or where I know theres a croud i carry a small one close to the body. I've never had a problem here..just watch whats happening around you.

[Robert]

I have had my cell phone stolen right out of my hand

The best pick pockets I ever encountered are in Brazil, young, fast and very slick. They got me once, hanky chief, that was a warning for me...

The most enjoyable was in the main street in Sosua, one girl all over me, the other going through my pockets. They got nothing and I felt pretty good afterwards

Other than the cell phone, never really had a problem here with pick pockets.

[Jan]

I remember when that happened Rob, in mid conversation! Gotta watch out for those motorbike riders!

[JOHNNY HONDA]

Chief
Pickpockets exist everywhere however most cases here are girls getting your cash while one is playing with your johnson and your too busy enjoying it to catch on,ask Robert it feels so good when they steal my all time favorite canadian tire money cause when they try to cash it it always gets a chuckle

[TreasureMarc]

Why not hide some of your $$$$$ in a plastic bag in a sock in one of your shoes???

Where do you 'hide' your Airline Ticket, when these so called 'money belts' are too 'small' for the ticket pouch, insurance booklet etc., to fit into????