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If you usually travel on the train or bus, it is imperative to be aware of the following tips on how to protect your personal property. Pick-pocketing takes place mostly on crowded subway cars or buses. Pickpockets know that when trains or buses are crowded, most people expect to be bumped and pushed. The latter enhances their chances of succeeding in stealing people’s personal property.
Therefore, the NYPD (New York City Police Department) provides us with the following tips to prevent falling victims to pickpockets.
For Men:
- The Target areas are back pants pockets, coats and sport jackets.
- If it is necessary to carry your wallet in an unbuttoned pocket of your pants, be sure it contains only what you can afford to lose.
- Keep large sums of money, credit cards and I.D. cards in your front pants pocket.
- never “pat” your pockets to see if you wallet is still there. This lets thieves know the location of your valuables.
- Be alert when the train or platforms are crowded, this is where pickpockets work their best.
- Pickpockets will bump into you or work with someone else to distract you, so be alert.
For Women:
- Don’t carry your wallet in your purse. Conceal it in a coat or sweater pocket where it does not show a bulge.
- Use a purse that is difficult or time consuming to open.
- Never let your purse lie unattended on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart.
- Be aware of diversion tactics. Such as, fighting and loud arguments.
- Be alert on crowded trains, buses and platforms.
- Keep your purse tucked under your arm. Never place your purse straps across your body or over your shoulder. A thief grabbing your purse can drag you causing you a serious injury.
Note: For those visiting NYC, Police Transit Districts provide free gear guards (locks) to people who want to protect their property. Gear guards are placed between the zippers on your bag and prevent someone from opening your bag without your knowledge.
Fact: It is important to understand the difference between Police Transit Districts and Police Precincts. Transit Districts are in charge of the Transit System in NYC while Police Precincts are in charge of everything else on the outside of the Transit System. Therefore, you should not go to Police Precincts requesting gear guards. They might not be cognizant of such program.
