How to spot a pick pocket & keep your valuables safe whilst shopping

Now that the busy Christmas period is fast approaching, please be aware that cases of pick pocketing always increase at this time of the year, so don't be a victim. Keep purses secure and carry wallets in an inside pocket. Zip up hand and shoulder bags. Carry bags in front of you with flaps against your body. Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm. Don't show your money - keep it safely in your pocket and when using the ATM, always ensure that your money has been secured in your purse or wallet before turning away.

Here are several tactics that pickpockets use:

The Helpful Stranger: someone may approach you and say that you have something on your jacket or coat and will automatically rub it off, allowing them to get close to you

The Hugger Mugger: a stranger may pretend to be sociable and friendly and will put their arms around you or link their arm through yours with a view to picking your pockets

The Easy Dip: pickpockets will be watching and if your bag or backpack is left open, they may follow you until they get the opportunity to dip in and remove easy items that are on show

The Distraction: typically using a map, a stranger may ask you for directions and whilst you are pointing out directions on the map, another person will carry out the pickpocket whilst you are distracted

The Stall: as a lot of pickpockets work in pairs, they will identify their victim and one person will deliberately stand in front you, at a counter, getting on a train or bus etc., and will stall for some reason - the other person is directly behind the victim allowing them to get up close to carry out the crime

The Concealed Hand: pickpockets often use items such as a newspaper to cover their hand whilst they carry out the crime

Remember to be extra vigilant in crowded shops and whilst in queues.