Pickpockets can spoil the most promising vacations. Fortunately there are many preventive measures you can take to ensure a safe and worry-free trip. Alex Tilley, creator of Tilley hats and lightweight travel clothing, in partnership with Ron Frederick, retired Detective from the Toronto Police Services, offered me some personal safety tips to keep in mind, wherever the travel destination. Of course, I've put in my own two cents too!
 

Basic rule: Don't show off large amounts of money, jewelry or other expensive-looking items. Choose travel clothes like Tilley pants, shorts and skirts that include secret pockets.

Second rule: Don't let your handbag hang open invitingly! Bring a bag with multiple compartments that close tightly.

Pickpockets don't advertise their profession: many are very well dressed and groomed. Be prepared: you won't always recognize them!

Follow your instincts. Pickpockets usually survey their targets. If someone is following you, move to a more secure location. If you are uncomfortable with your surroundings, remove yourself from the situation.

Beware of loud arguments, jostling and other incidents. Don't be a curious bystander. Pickpockets usually work in teams and one often bumps into the victim to distract him while a partner picks his pockets.

Pickpockets frequent train and bus stations, airports, hotel lobbies, outdoor events, subway stations and other crowded areas. If you see a sign "Beware of Pickpockets" don't scream "On my God!" while putting a hand on your wallet… all you're doing is advertising "This is where I keep my money"!

Pickpockets rarely act alone. If you're swarmed by a group of children, run and shout. Even in Paris, in some tourist neighborhoods children will come up and surround you. While they're smiling and charming you with their flattery - "Oh, la jolie madame!" - others are behind you robbing you.

Always keep your handbag or shoulder bag close to your body with your hand and forearm over the front. You don't have to be in a crowd to be robbed: some thieves even operate from moving cars. Therefore always walk on the inside of the sidewalk (closest to the buildings) with your bag held tightly between your body and arm.

Be unassuming in your choice of clothes and luggage and leave expensive jewelry at home. Think twice about wearing showy costume jewelry as well! I had a nice elephant head pendant that a thief tried to take from me, even though it was only gold-colored. Your jewelry doesn't come with a label that says "Fake! Please leave alone!"

The same goes for eyeglasses. Do you have Cartier frames? Then you'll be singled out right away by pickpockets who specialize in designer glasses. They'll snatch them from you on a staircase in a quarter-second, and it's pointless to try running after them through a crowd. They don't lack nerve, believe me!

Travel as lightly as possible. Being overburdened with luggage makes you more of a target and you can react less quickly.

Buy luggage with wheels that allows you to move around quickly and easily. Don't trust "good Samaritans" who offer to help carry your bags.

Walk with a purpose. Never look vulnerable or lost. You may be a tourist, but look as though you know where you are going. It will show confidence and will usually deter attackers.

Make photocopies of your passport, credit cards and driver's license. Leave one copy with a friend and keep another in your secret pocket.

During your trip, do not give out information about your destination, valuables or itinerary to people who do not need it - desk clerks, doormen or taxi drivers.

Never keep your passport, return ticket, money, credit cards, documents, etc. in a single bag or pocket; keep some of your cash, for example, in a travel belt; leave your return ticket in the hotel safe, etc. Take along only the money you need for the day's adventures, divided up in secure pockets.

Avoid putting your wallet or passport in a back pocket. Use unobtrusive travel belts or hidden pockets, similar to those found in Tilley pants, shorts, and skirts, to keep valuables away from potential pickpockets. A slash 'n' dash thief can easily cut the cloth belt of a kangaroo-type pouch.

Don't leave purses, handbags or backpacks unattended, including draped over a chair while in a restaurant.

Before taking public transportation, have your travel pass or money out so you can avoid having to open your purse when you're less attentive.

Carry hotel keys and car keys separately from your bag or purse. If your bag or purse is stolen, you can still get into your car and the thief won't know where you are staying.

In the evening, stick to well-lit areas where there are other people.

For a small fee, many airports will shrink-wrap your luggage or bag in plastic. This helps prevent tampering and theft at the airport or even in taxis, and saves wear and tear on your luggage.

If you are the victim of a pickpocket:

• don't resist when you are attacked
• do what they ask
• get a good look at the aggressor so you can provide a description later
• quickly call for help
• go immediately to the nearest police station to report the theft
• make a statement
• ask for a written copy of your statement for your insurance company
• If your passport or visa is stolen, get in touch with your embassy or consulate immediately. You should note the telephone number of your embassy in each country and region you plan to visit so it's readily available if needed.

Don't let this list of tips and warnings panic you… keep in mind that "forewarned is forearmed!"