Pickpockets target shoppers at Christmas markets Christmas markets around Europe appeal to many Americans because of their unique old-world charm. Pickpockets love them too because they attract people with money and the crowds make it easier for them to steal your cash and get away. Within a few seconds, your purse, credit cards or car keys can disappear. “Pickpockets work mainly in groups,” said Joseph Day, chief of law enforcement at the USAREUR Office of the Provost Marshal. One distracts the victim, another steals the loot and passes it to a third person, who then merges into the crowd, he added. This trick works best in large gatherings of people - like Christmas markets. Most cases are never solved because the victims often do not immediately notice the theft. But if you are aware and follow these tips, you can save yourself a lot of cash and trouble. -Only take as much money with you as you actually need. -Carry money, credit cards and identity documents in various closed inside pockets of your clothing, as close as possible to your body. -Keep the bags you carry closed. -Carry your hand or shoulder bag with the lock side facing your body. - Never leave your handbag or coat unattended. -When in a crowd of people, pay extra attention to your valuables. Pickpockets are usually professionals who are active all over Europe. You can sometimes recognize them by the way they look for victims: they avoid direct eye contact with victims and rather look for loot. They observe their victims closely for a long time, bump into them, engage them in a conversation with specious questions, are excessively helpful or may even spill something onto a victim’s clothing to come into contact with them. According to German police statistics, 136,000 pickpocket cases were reported in Germany in 2013, over 15 percent more than in the year before. The money stolen in 2013 was a staggering 39.4 million euros. For more information on thwarting pickpockets and thieves, go to the USAREUR Office of the Provost Marshal (OPM) website, at eur.army.mil/opm/default.htm.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 13:24:48 +0000
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