Protecting Yourself From Pickpockets While in Port

Chances are if you are going on a cruise, you plan to disembark to visit one or more ports of call. Although these ports are beautiful and exciting they have a dark side, they are full of “The Bad Guys”. Now, these bad guys do not look or act the same but one thing they do have in common is seeing you as prey. One of their favorite ways to victimize their prey is pick pocketing. While there is absolutely no way to be 100 percent safe from being pick pocketed, there are measures you can take to lessen the chances of it happening to you.  I’ve listed some of the best tips I can think of to lessen the chances that you will be “The Bad Guys” next victim.

Be extremely cautious in crowded areas - “The Bad Guys” tend to congregate in crowded “tourist traps”, where they can operate as just a face in the crowd. Here they can use any one of their favorite tactics like bumping into you as they lift your wallet. They will often work in teams where one person will get your attention and distract you while the other victimizes you. Always demand that others respect your personal space, and do not allow under any circumstance strangers to touch you or approach you too closely.

Do not dress to impress – Many tourists (for some reason) think they should dress up when they are visiting ports. First of all, the best way to dress for exploring a port is with comfort in mind. Secondly, even if the diamond earrings you are wearing are actually one-carat cubic zirconias, “The Bad Guys” see you as an ATM. Do yourself a favor and save the flash for formal night aboard the ship.

Avoid letting others see where you keep your money – “The Bad Guys” are always on the lookout for new victims. Even if you aren’t aware that you are flashing your cash rest assured “The Bad Guys” have noticed. Whether in a store or at a vendor on a side street be discrete when paying. You should be the only one that knows exactly where you stash your cash.

Leave the wallet or purse on the ship -- Store your money in a money belt, pouch or one of those wallets that hangs from your neck. However, if you must carry a wallet, keep it in your front pocket secured with a rubber band or attached to a chain. I like to use one of those hanging wallets, which I usually am also holding in my hand. I never planned to do it that way it just instinctively feels right.

Attempt to blend in with the locals – Nothing says rob me like a big floppy hat, a t-shirt with the logo of your college alma mater and a camera around the neck. While remaining comfortable try to dress like the locals dress. Although they probably won’t mistake you as one of their own, you may be able to fly under the radar by looking like someone who at least resides in the area.

Be confident – Even if you are new to traveling, act as if you have been there before. Walk with purpose and do not stop to talk to strangers. “The Bad Guys” thrive on taking advantage of insecure and confused tourists. Many times, they view seasoned travelers as too much of a risk. Just like lions on the Serengeti, “The Bad Guys” are experts at picking out the weak gazelles to prey on.

Keep your backup information somewhere safe – This isn’t really a preventative tip, it’s more about damage control. If you are ever unfortunate enough to become the victim of a pickpocket, it is much easier to minimize the damage if you have copies of your information as well as the necessary contact numbers.

Be aware and listen to your instincts – When it comes to safety the best weapon you have is your instinct. Always remember if something doesn’t feel right, it probably is not.  Keep your eyes and ears open and always be aware of your surroundings.  If the hairs on the back of your neck start to stand up or you gut tells you something is off, remove yourself from the situation immediately.

Do not ever think it cannot happen to you – Probably the most important piece of advice I can give you on how to avoid pickpockets is to remember that it can happen to you. In fact, I would imagine that if you travel enough, it would (at some point) happen to you. We may read a couple of articles or purchase a couple of gadgets to help prevent being pick pocketed but “The Bad Guys” work 24 hours a day at perfecting their craft. Don’t think for a moment that you are smarter than they are.

Relax you are on vacation – Although it is every travelers duty to educate themselves on ways to thwart “The Bad Guys”, never forget that you are on vacation. The only thing that ruins a vacation faster than the bad guys is the constant fear of “The Bad Guys”.

Related posts:

1. Protecting Your Identity While Cruising
2. Ten Over-looked Items I Never Cruise Without
3. 25 Tips For a First Time Cruiser

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