How Pickpockets Choose Their Targets
Pickpockets choose their targets based on a few factors that make them vulnerable or easy to steal from. Here are some common things that pickpockets look for that you can counter to be resistant to being a victim.
Distraction: Pickpockets look for people who are distracted, such as those who are talking on their phone, rummaging through their bag, or looking at a map. They use this distraction to their advantage to quickly and quietly steal from them.
Crowds: Crowded areas such as subways, buses, or busy tourist attractions provide pickpockets with ample opportunities to blend in with the crowd and target unsuspecting victims.
Lack of Awareness: Pickpockets look for people who are unaware of their surroundings or those who are too trusting of strangers. For example, someone who leaves their bag unattended or hangs it on the back of their chair.
Valuables on Display: People who have their valuables on display, such as jewelry, phones, or wallets, are more likely to be targeted by pickpockets. This is because it signals to the pickpocket that the person has something worth stealing.
Vulnerability: Pickpockets often target the elderly, children, or anyone who appears vulnerable or physically weaker.
Some pickpockets are skilled at their craft and can be difficult to spot, to the point that you won’t know you’ve been attacked until it’s way too late.
The best defense is being a difficult and therefore an undesirable target for pickpockets to want to deal with.