Pickpocketing goons are at it again, and they’re elusive as ever. They blend themselves in crowded places in New York City amidst the last-minute holiday shopping. Recently, an NYPD Pickpocket Task Force was assigned to crack down on the thieves to help mitigate the problem— but the authorities can only do so much. You, too, must also do your job in protecting your belongings.
You may think you’re practicing the right measures to protect your valuables, but you can never be too confident.
Here are some steps you can follow to prevent getting your things swiped.
Don’t Make Yourself a Target
This sounds like a no-brainer type of advice but it’s more than just a “just don’t get pickpocketed” scenario. Pickpocketing hooligans are everywhere and you’ll never fully know when they have their eyes on your possessions— you can never really tell who’s out to pickpocket and who’s there to shop. NYC is a busy place. Unless you’re left with no choice but to go out during this busy time, you can opt to just shop or order food online.
Secure Your Possessions
The NYPD Pickpocket Task Force advises that you hide your cell phone or wallet in your front pocket. They added that if you have a zipper or a type of clothing with Velcro pockets, the more you can secure your belongings.
Sometimes, the classic preventive ways from getting pickpocketed are the effective ones— you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Leather wallet chains may not be your style but it’s an effective item you can use to secure your cash and cards. Moreover, you can separate your credit cards and IDs from your wallet where cash is stored. That way, if a pickpocket swipes one of those, you won’t lose everything.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It’s easy to get lost in the shopping madness when there are too many great finds. You may also find yourself getting too fascinated by the Christmas lights of New York City longer than you realize. Whatever the case may be, it’s the distractions that allow thieves to steal your items.
Be mindful of your belongings. Check if they’re still there from time to time. Be aware of where you placed your wallet and cell phone. (If it’s in your bag, purse, front pocket, back pocket, etc..) Be vigilant of the people you come across or encounter. In case one of them pickpockets you, you have a memory of the potential thief’s face or features.
Don’t Bring too Many Valuables
Thieves have 20/20 eyesight when it comes to valuables. As much as possible, don’t let pickpocketing punks have anything to steal. If you can avoid bringing a ton of cash, you should. If online transactions are available, that could work, too, as you’ll only bring your cell phone with you and you make sure it’s always with you.
Report the Incident
If a pickpocketing incident had already happened, try your best to stay calm. If you have a tracking device on your valuables, see if you can access it. Regardless of whether you can or can’t, you must alert the authorities right away in case a thief is still around the area.
Don’t go rogue and try to catch the thief yourself! You’ll be putting yourself in potential danger if you do that. If you’re not able to retrieve your possession, file a police report. You will also be helping the NYPD Pickpocket Task Force navigate the area better where the pickpocketing occurred.
Lastly,
The pickpocketing thugs are trickier than ever. They’re out to take advantage of the busy New York City shoppers and an NYPD Pickpocket Task Force Was deployed to help crack down on these advantageous thugs— but it’s not enough that the NYPD Pickpocket Task Force man the streets of NYC. You must also do your part. Shop wisely and vigilantly. Do your best to protect your valuables and be cautious— take mental notes about the environment you’re in.
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