Here at Austin Lehman Adventures as we expand our offerings into more and more foreign countries, we are always asked; “but what about the crime… our first response is typically, just be smart and aware”, and that “crime is no more prevalent in Amsterdam as it is in Chicago”. That said, we wanted to hear first hand from our own prolific traveler Mindy Vanderhoof, so we posed her this question.
So Mindy, we “hear” you have been to some 38 countries, what can you share with us about “petty crime”?
Unfortunately, I am no stranger to being the victim of pick-pockets in Europe! The little sneaks are very good at what they do, and there is no shortage of strategies they implement while reaching in and snagging your valuables! With a few tips you can become more aware of their game plans, and hopefully, keep all of your belongings with you as you travel!
The first time I was pick-pocketed I was 19 and vacationing Madrid, Spain. I had just come out of the Thyssen-Boenemisza Museum, and I foolishly had not put my things back into my money belt, I was just walking around the corner to my hostel after all. And then I saw them… A group of women, holding out maps, looking lost. For some reason I thought I would be able to help (I don’t speak Spanish, and I don’t really know my way around Madrid, so I am not sure why I thought I that). I faltered just a step and they were all over me! Literally pinning me against a brick wall as they all ran their hands up and down, looking for pockets I’m sure. I panicked and told them to stop touching me, but it wasn’t until my sister reached in and pulled me out that I got away. I was frazzled and confused; I am from Montana, things like that do not happen in Montana! We walked away, and I was just taking a deep breath when one of the women from the group grabbed my arm, and pointed in front of me. There, in the middle of the sidewalk was my card holder, with all my credit cards and IDs still inside, they did take the cash, but at that point I was feeling pretty lucky! She must have thrown it my direction after they got what they wanted.
The lesson is: Always be aware of your surroundings. You can’t try to help people when you are in a foreign place. Avoid congregations of people, pick pockets will cause a commotion, distract you, and get away with your things. Put your valuables in inside pockets or money belts. It seems strange, but if someone looks suspicious…. don’t make eye contact, that seems to instigate them. Look like you belong, you are much more likely to be pick-pocketed if you stand out in the crowd!
The second time I was pick-pocketed I was only 20. This time I was just walking to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. I had read all the books this time, I felt prepared. There was even a story about how Gypsies would throw babies (or dolls) at you, and while you were reaching to save them, someone would get away with your stuff. The books recommend that you “swat the babies to the ground and get out of there”. I was paying attention, and was with a group of 4 people, and looked Italian! None of it helped! This time a couple of young girls walked by us on the side walk, they bumped into me and again, I ended up against a brick wall. The girls had a big piece of card board that they held to me at about chest height, that way when I looked down I couldn’t see my bag. They reached in and grabbed my travel planner. My friends held the girls while I checked my bag; I wasn’t going to lose anything. In the moment I thought: camera, Check, wallet, check, I thought I had everything and I let them go. About 2 seconds after the girls were around the corner I realized my travel planner was gone, along with my credit card and train pass! We tried to go after them, but the thing about pickpockets is that they work in groups. You may only see one or two of them, but they are supported by a team of people. Even if we would have caught them my things likely would have been in someone else’s hands, moving in a completely different direction!
The lesson again: don’t carry things you need in a bag, keep items on your person in a money best, or better yet, locked in a safe at the hotel! Make sure your bags zips shut, I have just a messenger back with a flap. Never pull out money if you don’t have to, it just tells the thieves where you are keeping your goods. Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket, spread your money around. Be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts, likely you will know something is wrong before it happens. Don’t make yourself a target by traveling with your best stuff! Trade in the expensive watch or jewelry for something less extravagant. The best rule of thumb is don’t take anything you don’t want to lose!
All things considered my advice is travel, just travel smart. Whether you are traveling solo, biking on a tour, hiking the back country, or vacationing with your family, be aware, and try to make the best decisions you can! Whether you are in Italy on a bike tour or shopping in the Medina in Fez, Morocco; there are people who will want your things, so don’t give them the opportunity! Travel smart, and enjoy the world!
Your Travel Experts,
ALA
