As of: February 18, 2024, 11:00 a.m
Comments
Press
Split
Attention, thieves!
The methods used by pickpockets are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
This way you won't fall for any bad tricks while you're out and about.
A brief moment of inattention – and the wallet has disappeared.
There is a high risk of becoming a victim of pickpockets, especially when traveling.
The thieves like to roam around popular attractions and sights to steal tourists' valuables.
But crowded places such as train stations, markets or public transport also offer the best conditions for clever crooks.
In particular, they target cash, credit cards and cell phones.
To protect yourself from pickpockets, it is important to know their tricks and take appropriate precautions.
1. The city map trick
According to the Federal Police, a common approach used by pickpockets is to pose as a tourist.
The potential victim is asked for directions with a city map.
As soon as the victim picks up the city map, the thief steals the wallet or other valuables unnoticed.
Thieves feign disorientation in order to steal from their victims.
© Labunskiy Konstantin/IMAGO
2. The Defiler Trick
The thief lies in wait and “accidentally” spills coffee, ice cream or other liquids on the victim.
This is followed by a wordy apology while an exuberant attempt is made to clean the stain, the Federal Police also reports.
The victim is distracted and the pickpocket can reach into the jacket or bag without being disturbed.
This trick is particularly often used near ATMs.
Then the thieves know that they can make good prey.
The thieves may also work as a team: one accomplice takes care of the stain on the clothing, and another then draws the victim's attention to it.
While the victim is happy about the help, the perpetrator steals the wallet.
3. The window beater trick
On its website, the state and federal police crime prevention agencies warn against this trick: The victim sits on the bus or train unaware.
Suddenly someone knocks on the window from outside and distracts the victim with wild gestures.
Meanwhile, an accomplice goes unnoticed and gets hold of the bag and valuables.
My news
Passenger has to leave the plane because she went to the toilet too often – read “Great customer service”.
Passenger advises being the last to get on the plane - but what's the point? read
Perfect for a day trip: Ten of the most beautiful German small towns
The plane turns around because maggots fall out of the overhead compartment onto the passengers – what is allowed in hand luggage? read
Metropolises like New York left behind: The most visited city in the world is in Turkey
The blossom path in the Odenwald: A spring excursion through flowery landscapes
4. The flower giving trick
A passer-by is walking along the pedestrian zone and is engrossed in his cell phone.
Then someone offers him a flower.
The victim is happy about the gift and allows himself to be distracted.
According to the Federal Police, this is exploited: the flower giver or an accomplice steals valuables from the unsuspecting victim.
5. The bumping trick
In densely packed crowds it can happen that you get jostled.
According to the Federal Police, this is exactly the circumstance that crooks take advantage of.
The victim is “accidentally” bumped into and thus distracted.
Meanwhile, the perpetrator or a possible accomplice is attacking the wallet and the like.
6. The escalator trick
The Federal Police draws attention to two different approaches on its website.
On the one hand, pickpockets can cause a “traffic jam” on the escalator.
One perpetrator stands in front of and one behind the victim.
Person one stops at the end of the escalator, causing the victim to run up.
Now person two has the opportunity to steal valuables from the bag.
Another strategy involves one of the two perpetrators triggering the escalator's emergency stop.
This provides the necessary distraction to carry out the theft.
Traffic jam on the escalator?
Pickpockets also like to take advantage of this.
© Michael Gstettenbauer/Imago
7. The money exchange trick
With this trick, perpetrators shamelessly exploit their victims' willingness to help, as the travel blog
wowplaces.de
reports.
On the street, the thief approaches unsuspecting passers-by and politely asks them to change a small sum of money.
Most of the time it's just about contributions like two euros, which should be changed into two individual euros.
While the victim rummages around in the change compartment, the thief offers to help and pulls the desired coins out of the compartment - and, unnoticed, several bills.
More inexperienced thieves care less about stealth and run away with the bills.
You don't want to miss any more news and tips about vacation and travel?
Then sign up for the regular travel newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
How do I protect myself from the crooked tricks of pickpockets?
By taking appropriate precautions, you can minimize the risk of becoming a victim of pickpockets.
The Federal Police recommend that you only carry as much cash with you as is actually needed.
Money, credit cards and other valuables should always be carried as close to your body as possible.
For example, closed inner pockets are suitable for this, but under no circumstances are outer pockets.
Handbags and shoulder bags should be worn with the clasp towards the body and in front of the stomach, backpacks in the crowd in front of instead of behind the body.
Make sure there are no valuables in jackets hanging on coat racks or over the backs of chairs.
You should not leave handbags unattended and always keep an eye on them.
When in a crowd, hold your bag tightly so that no one can tamper with it.
If someone gets too close to you, take a few steps back.
Do not turn your back on the person.
Stay alert if a stranger asks you for a favor - it's best to politely decline.