ATM machines are magnets for pickpockets. Some thieves will work in pairs to distract you from one side while snatching your money while you aren’t looking. Other criminals will peek over your shoulder to see your PIN number and try to lift your wallet later. If you have to use an ATM, find one inside a reputable business that isn’t out in the open so that you can withdraw your cash in a safe location. ATMs that are tucked away inside of private nooks at restaurants and hotels are much more difficult to exploit. Some thieves will pretend to accidentally bump into you while you’re walking down the street or getting on the bus. When they bump into you, they’ll reach into an easily-accessed pocket to try and grab something valuable. After anyone bumps into you, subtly pat your pockets to make sure that your personal belongings haven’t been lifted.  Avoid brushing up against people in crowds or tight quarters. Thieves often rely on dense crowds to avoid being noticed. Keep a tight hold on your belongings and remain alert when you’re on the bus, getting on a train, or wandering through a crowded metropolitan area. Be wary of interviewers, fundraisers, or chatty strangers. Pickpockets will often work in teams and try to distract you while someone robs you from behind. When receiving directions from a stranger, stay at least 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) away at all times. Don’t look over their shoulder to reference a map and don’t lean in close to listen. Clever pickpockets will try to hold a map or pamphlet up to show you something while reaching into your pocket or bag. Be cautious about accepting unsolicited help. Most people are just trying to help, but pickpockets often volunteer to help to lure you into feeling safe. If you’re traveling, do your best to blend in with your environment by dressing down. Avoid bright clothing that is going to make you stand out and stay away from tourist apparel to play down the fact that you’re visiting. Thieves are less likely to try robbing someone that lives where they do. This won’t necessarily work if you’re an Brit with red hair travelling in India. If you’re really far from home, you may simply not be able to blend in. In many countries, pickpockets will use a scooter or bike, pull up next to you, and rip any bags or purses off of your shoulder before speeding off. To avoid giving these thieves the opportunity, carry shopping bags and purses on the shoulder furthest from the street.  This is more common in countries with a lot of motorized scooters. In the United States, for example, this is not a common type of theft. Walk against the flow of traffic so that you can see a scooter or bike pulling up to you. Pickpockets prey on large crowds of tourists, and street performers typically attract dozens of them. In addition, people often pull out their wallets to give street performers a couple of dollars. There’s nothing wrong with giving some spare change to a street performer, but pulling out your wallet reveals where you’re keeping it. Keep your valuables close and stay alert when enjoying some public entertainment. If you do want to give a street performer money, keep a dollar or some spare change in a pocket where you aren’t storing your wallet. This way, potential thieves won’t know where you keep your cash when you go to donate some money. If you’re carrying luggage on the train or unloading it from a cab, always refuse help from strangers offering to help you with your bags. Even if the luggage is on the heavier side, you never know when someone is going to sprint off with your goods. Some people may be genuinely trying to help, but it’s not worth risking your property. It may be annoying, but it’s better to just take an extra 5-10 minutes to carry your luggage yourself.
تجنب سحب النقود من ماكينات الصرف الآلي خارج المحلات والمتاجر. افحص جيوبك ومُتعلقاتك باللمس جيدًا إذا ما اصطدم بك أحدهم. حافظي على مسافة آمنة بينك وبين الأشخاص الذين تستفسرين منهم عن الاتجاهات. اختاري الملابس التي تُساعدك على الاختلاط بأهل البلد. احتفظي بحقائبك بعيدًا عن اتجاه الشارع تجنبًا لسرقات الدراجات البخارية. انتبهي للمُحيط حولك أثناء مشاهدة عروض الشارع. ارفضي عروض الغرباء لمساعدتك في حمل حقائبك.