Hey, Where's My Stuff?

By: Christina Reynolds

It can happen to the best of us. One minute you’re walking through a crowded area, taking in the thriving lifestyle around you, and the next something is missing from your bag. Pickpocketing continues to be prevalent amongst major cities throughout Europe, specifically in Spain. With Spain’s unemployment rate hitting a excruciating 24.6% this past June, people are finding more and more ways to target tourists for their personal belongings. Even worse, without an inkling of their knowledge that it is even happening.

Pickpocketing has become less of a risky move and more of a sport for many, leading people to get creative with their sneaky tactics. After personally falling into the category of tourists abroad who have been stolen from, as my iphone now rests in a stranger’s hands, I am aware of the moves I was so oblivious to before. But don’t fret; here are a few tips to help you avoid these sneaky people, and keep your iphone in good hands!

1. Keep your bag close to you and zipped at all times

This is where I went wrong. My bag was always close to my side, yet the zipped up part occasionally became hard to remember. Especially in crowded areas, always keep your bag zipped. This makes it more difficult for someone to hack into, and gives you more time to react if it does in fact happen.

2. Avoid diversions

While it is in a traveler’s nature to want to see and explore every possible sight, people may take advantage of this curiosity. Many methods are used to distract you, leaving your belongings in a more vulnerable state. When I had traveled to Paris for the weekend, I had heard a rumor that women would throw baby dolls wrapped in a blanket at tourists, prompting them to catch their “child” so they could steal your purse! Thankfully I never had to experience that kind of trickery, but it just goes to show how in depth their planning could be.

3. Stay away from passageways and confined areas

Hovering near the doorway of the subway or train may give pickpocketers an easier escape route if they do choose to attempt this. If found in a situation such as this, don’t stress. The more aware you are of your belongings, and the more crowded it is in the confined space, the more difficult it will be for the pickpocketer to get away with their potential motive.

4. Don’t keep personal items in your back pocket

Especially for guys, personal items being held in your back pocket is a major target for pickpocketers. While guys tend to check if their wallet or phone is still in place, people pick up on these motions, signifying for an easy snatch once they get the chance. Keep these belongings in your front pocket, or in an area less noticeable to potential thieves.

Whether in the middle of the day or in the dead of night, pickpocketing can happen to anyone. The idea of losing yourself in the city can quickly transform to losing your valuables in the city, but by simply keeping a watch on your stuff and your surroundings, you’ll be going back to America scratch free in no time.