In a matter of seconds, skillful Middle East pickpockets can destroy a trip, taking off with not only your money, but also your credit cards and all your important items you carry in your wallet. Even worse, you can lose your passport and be stranded in a foreign country.
Amazingly, the typical Holy Land pickpockets aren’t seasoned adult criminals, but children as young as 7-8 years old. They can be found most anywhere in the holy city of Jerusalem, especially among the shops of the Via Dolorosa. The streets where Jesus Christ carried his cross to Calvary are now packed with vendors and children selling everything from postcards to beads. Besides the child vendors, there are also child pickpocketers, who swarm the streets like bees looking for victims.
If you’re prepared for pickpockets you’ll decrease your odds of being a target. Below are a few tips to avoid being a victim.
Be Alert
Realize that pickpockets take advantage of tourists who are engrossed with sites. At all times you need to be on guard that someone may be scheming to get into your bag. Some older children steal carry sweaters, jackets or magazines/newspapers to cover their hands.
Don’t Carry Your Wallet in Your Back Pocket
This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at tourists who still stick their wallets in their back pockets. Skilled pickpockets know how to lift a wallet from a tourist without the victim even realizing he (or she) is being robbed. Instead, use a money belt under your clothes. If carrying a purse, secure it under your arm, covering it with your hand.
Be Wary of Anyone Bumping Into You
Pickpockets often deliberately bump into you, saying, “I’m sorry.” Then, with an unsuspecting hand, they quickly reach into your bag. Because the pickpocket seems so apologetic and innocent, it doesn’t even occur to you that he has bad intentions.
Don’t Reach Into Your Bag or Wallet
If you want to buy a souvenir, have a few dollars or shekels tucked in your hand. If you reach into your purse or bag, a pickpocket can quickly grab your wallet. Not all children are pickpockets. Many sell cheap items for bargain prices (such as 10 postcards for a dollar or a map of Jerusalem for as low as $1.) Don’t worry about having shekels as you can use your US dollars to buy just about anything.
Carry Your Bag Across Your Shoulder
Rather than carry your bag on your shoulder, strap it across your body so a pickpocket can't rip it off without taking you with him. Also, make sure any outside pockets are turned inward.
Stay with Your Tour Group
Besides the possibility of getting lost, you want to stay with your tour group at all times (preferably in the middle). It’s much harder for a pickpocket to target you if you’re sandwiched in between other tourists.
Leave Credit Cards at in Your Motel
You’re much safer leaving your credit card and wallet in your motel. Only carry just the currency you need, making sure to secure it somewhere on your body that isn’t obvious. As most shops and restaurants take American currency, it’s not critical that you have credit cards to buy food and souvenirs.
If You’re a Victim
Act immediately. Cancel any stolen credit cards right away and file a police report. If your license is stolen, call the Department of Motor Vehicles. For a stolen Social Security Card, call the Social Security Administration. The three major credit card agencies in the United States are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
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