A few days away from our first European vacation. Been reading the helpline religiously, so I am very aware of the problem with pickpockets. Have my moneybelt to go and a regular wallet for everyday cash. I do plan on taking my Itouch ipod everywhere I go, but am concerned about keeping it secure. What are most of you doing to keep prying hands away from it?
Warren
My Iphone is always in a front pocket, and is covered with an Otter Box, making it quite bulky and not too easily removed. I also have it passwword protected, so if some bum steals it, at least I know they have to go to some effort to use it again.
Everyone packs cell phones, so it it not a big deal for a theif. He wants your cash and cards!
I read a post from a 12 year old girl on this site a few months back and she had a great idea for teens. She uses a money belt for a little cash and to stow her ipod. She said that she would have the headphone plugged in and then run the cord up through her shirt. She stated that this really worked well when they were on a night train.
I wouldn't worry about it as the odds of being pick pocketed are pretty small and practically non-existent if you keep you wits around you.
Don't flash your wallet/iPod in public. If you are in a crowd, keep your pockets guarded, especially in busy and tourist areas. Don't assume your front pockets are immune as I caught a fellow with his hand in my front pocket once, but that was mainly due to my poor judgement (wallet out at the train station in a seedy part of Paris).
So, in a nutshell:
- Don't flash your stuff around
- Be observant
- Secure your pockets if the situation seems hairy
iPhones and iPods are everywhere in Europe. People use them in the same way as they do in Canada or the USA. Take the same steps as you would at home and you will be fine - don't leave the iPod unattended, don't leave it in an open pocket, etc.
It should be noted that pickpockets do target people using iPods. It's not because they are trying to steal the iPod but rather since they are distracted by music and can't hear people around them as well. When in Rome (and other cities) listen to the sites and sounds instead of the headphones.
Pete
