Witnessed a new pickpocket distraction tactic

Well done! How disturbing and eye-opening at the same time. The guy was a d*ck to shove you. How did it affect your sister? (Hope her phone-storing habit changed!) Are you the big sister?! Haha.

Thanks for the heads up!

You provide a great example of vigilance!!

I agree with above that the shove was frightening. It's bad enough to think in terms of pickpockets with no physical contact. I hope your experience isn't a sign of things (physical violence) to come.

Wow, you had the flight travel nightmare situation and now this - all during your sister’s first time to Europe! Will she ever come visit again? : (

Kudos for being alert!

Its very hard to convince Americans not to carry that phone or wallet in the back pocket. It's what most people seem to do here in my city.

It was a bit shocking for her. I was just so glad nothing was stolen. She definitely was more aware after that, and caught herself several times almost putting her phone in her pocket. I still reminded her to zip everything up before we got into crowded places (like museum lines) or on the metro.

I’m the little sister (by 15 years), and I doubt she will return to Europe. She’s not very flexible. We reserved a room with two twins that had been made up as one bed, and it sent her into hysterics. Some people just aren’t suited for travel, I think.

I’m sorry that happened to you, and I’m horrified that thieves are now shoving and touching people.
I hope your sister isn’t permanently scarred by this incident, and will return again to Europe!

I’ve decide that the kids who started wearing fanny packs wrong- cross body style in front of them- had the right idea. It won’t protect from someone who really, really wants your things, but having a bag right against the front of your body seems to offer a little more awareness.

Thanks so much for posting your experience. I'm so very glad you were behind her and knew immediately they were up to no good. I'm kind of shocked he actually touched you but glad you kept your balance and your wits about you.

I don't think it is a new scam or approach. Pickpockets generally work in pairs or more with someone creating a distraction and someone making the hit. What you described is fairly common. The best defense is having nothing that is easily accessed. I doubt if they were cutting the strap. Too much effort and noticeable. Pickpockets like to have easy escape routes. And if you suspect you are being set up, stop, step aside and let the people behind you go in front. If I am in a really crowded situation, I will often just stop, and let the crowd flow pass for 30 seconds or so. Breaks up any sandwich situation.

I think walking in public without at least one hand free is a big mistake, and probably makes you a easy target.

Having both hands "occupied" marks someone as a ripe target, as you and your sister learned. Hands free is the way to go...people are vulnerable when they are carrying anything, like luggage, and are focused on that task to the exclusion of being aware that they are about to get picked...

Anybody who approaches you with something in their hands should be eyed warily. Years ago there was a common ploy, usually an older woman, surrounded by a bunch of kids, approaching to show people some sheet of paper or a placard, something like a request for help - money to feed the kids - and when she held that up to you, above your waist, the kids gathered in close and were digging through your pockets. On one of my first trips to Europe 40 years ago, I had read about that particular scam, and I witnessed it being done in a busy tourist area in Paris.

Not that many years ago I witnessed a clueless older couple who had something squirted onto their clothing without them realizing it, and a kind stranger immediately stepped forward to assist them in cleaning the fake bird poop from their clothing...I shouted to the victims that they were being scammed, and it seemed to disrupt the pickpockets. At least when I walked over to them, they indicated nothing was missing, but I went on my way and don't know if they avoided getting something taken from them or not.

How's your sister holding up on her first trip to Europe? First the bad, delayed plane trip, then the pickpocket, followed by another not so fun plane trip. Do you think she'll ever want travel again?
Thanks for letting us know about the pickpockets' tactics.

As if the issues with your flights weren’t enough! Thanks for posting this. We’re off to Spain later this week and are prepared to be situationally aware in Barcelona but not necessarily in Seville. My husband just got a lanyard for his phone to keep from inadvertently carrying it in his back pocket. He’s used to carrying phone & wallet in his back pocket so he needed something to break up his usual behavior. Thankfully, he feels comfortable wearing a money belt.

And if you suspect you are being set up, stop, step aside and let the people behind you go in front.

That's what I do. In London a couple of years ago, four guys were following me as I was going from the tube station to the hotel with my luggage. I felt something wasn't right so I walked to the side onto someones driveway. Two of the guys immediately crossed the street, headed back where they came from and prenteded to talk on the phone. The other two didn't know what to do and just stood there. I stared them down. They said "sorry" and I went on my way looking back making sure they weren't following me.

Another tactic I sometimes use is what Russian submarine commanders used to use. It's called a "Crazy Ivan." To make sure they are not being followed, they suddenly turn around and make a large 360 degree circle. I will stop turn around and go back the way I came until I have passed the questionable followers.