Q&A for How to Prevent Being Pickpocketed

If you are traveling alone, share your itinerary with other people. Let them know where you are going. Ensure that a friend, relative, or someone knows where you are.

Try to leave the crowd as quickly as possible. Step into a garden or onto a porch. Keep your valuables in safe bags worn under your clothes, such as shoulder holsters or a zipped bag tied around your neck and tucked under a shirt.

You can just tap the outside of the pocket where the phone or wallet is kept. You should be able to feel whether or not it's still there.

The safest thing for you to do is to put your valuables at the bottom of your backpack and wrap them in something (e.g. a shirt) so they aren't easily spotted if someone were to open your bag. Furthermore, when you close the zipper, make sure you close it towards one side of the bag so you can watch for movement in that area. If you are able, and want to be extra careful, you can always put a lock on your zipper and keep a key in your hand so there is no way someone could just open your bag.

The school should have surveillance cameras and staff to monitor students' behavior. Let a teacher or the principal know what happened and where you think it occurred, they should be able to help you.

Talking a lot, distracting you with hand movements, looking at something, pointing, etc. Always be aware of these things when you're in an area rife with pickpocketing.

If you are entering a train there are usually workers who can help you. If possible, try to use an elevator instead. If not, you could ask someone who is working at that place to help.

Your best option is to call the police and open a case. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do if the pickpocketer gets away. If you lose your phone, you can always use a tracker app. If you lose a wallet, cancel any credit cards quickly.

Presumably you are concerned about your camera being stolen? One way to prevent its theft is to hold on to the camera the entire time you are out and about shooting footage. Use a wrist strap to keep it firmly attached (more so that you don't drop it) but also physically hold it in one hand at all times. However, be conscious that your other valuables (wallet, watch, passport, etc.) are at risk when you focus and divert your attention to taking images, providing an easy opportunity for pickpockets when you're distracted, so wear a security belt for those items or leave them in your hotel safe when doing photography outings.

Steer clear of a thief you have spotted; forewarned means you have a great opportunity to give them wide berth. Cross to the other side of the street, change your walking direction, walk away, etc. If you feel unsafe, then go into a store/bank/cafe/supermarket, etc., or go near a stall vendor or street performer so as to be near other people. If you catch them in the act of thieving, yell loudly as this may cause them to drop the items they've taken, to avoid attention.

When traveling, it is always a good idea to purchase a wallet made specifically for travel purposes that meets all the security and safety measures that help prevent theft. Leave your favorite wallet at home and enjoy some peace of mind that it'll be waiting for you when you get back and your credit cards and cash will be safe as you travel in the travel wallet.

If possible, use you hands to cover your pocket and back into a corner so it is harder for them to do it sneakily.