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Theft & Pickpockets

How to Avoid Theft in New York City

     New York is safe, but then again, it’s not.  The most important thing you need to be aware of would be the petty purse-snatching, pick pocketing point of view. Thieves target tourists: Not because they're mean but because they're smart. Loaded down with valuables in a strange new environment, we stick out like jeweled thumbs.
     If you're not constantly on guard, you'll have something stolen. Almost every trip I’ve ever been on there has been some kind of incident.  Always, when the student or parent looked back on it, they knew they could have been a little smarter and maybe the lost or stolen goods would still be in their possession.
     Remember, nearly all crimes suffered by tourists are nonviolent and avoidable. Be aware of the pitfalls of traveling, but relax and have fun. Limit your vulnerability rather than your travels. Leave precious valuables at home. Don't travel afraid — travel carefully.
     Thieves thrive on confusion, crowds, which means Times Square is a favorite hang out.  Here's some advice given to me by a thief who won the lotto:  Keep a low profile. Never leave your camera lying around where hotel workers and others can see it and be tempted. Keep it either around your neck or zipped safely out of sight. Luxurious luggage lures thieves. The thief chooses the most impressive suitcase in the pile — never mine. Thieves assume that anyone leaving a bank with their luggage just changed money. Bags are much safer in your room than with you on the streets. Hotels are a relative haven from thieves and a good resource for advice on personal safety.
Scams
Many of the most successful scams require a naive and trusting tourist. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public (especially touristy) places. If you're alert and aren't overly trusting, you should have no problem. Here are a few clever ways European thieves bolster their cash flow:
A.   The "slow count": Cashiers who deal with lots of tourists thrive on the "slow count." Even in banks, they'll count your change back with odd pauses in hopes the rushed tourist will gather up the money early and say thanks.  Just be aware.
B.   Oops!: You're jostled in a crowd as someone spills mustard, ketchup, or fake pigeon poop on your shirt. The thief offers greedy apologies while dabbing it up — and pawing your pockets. There are variations: Someone drops something, you kindly pick it up, and you lose your wallet. Or, even worse, someone throws a baby into your arms as your pockets are picked.
C.   Assume beggars are pickpockets. And assume any commotion is a fake commotion — designed to distract and jostle unknowing victims. If an elderly woman falls down an escalator, stand back and guard your valuables. Then... carefully... move in to help.
D.   The "helpful" local: Thieves posing as concerned locals will warn you to store your wallet safely — and then steal it after they see where you stash it.  Others hang out at an ATM machine, eager to "help" you, the bewildered tourist, buy tickets with a pile of your quickly disappearing foreign cash.
E.   Fake police: Two thieves in uniform — posing as "Tourist Police" — stop you on the street, flash their bogus badges, and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit bills or "drug money." You won't even notice some bills are missing until they leave. Never give your wallet to anyone.
If You're Ripped Off...
Even the most careful traveler can get ripped off. If it happens, don't let it ruin your trip. (If you'll be making an insurance claim, get a police report immediately. Traveler's check thefts must be reported within 24 hours.) Many trips start with a major rip-off. But they recover, and with the right attitude and very light bags, they finish wonderfully.
Before you leave on your trip, photocopy your valuable documents and tickets. It's easier to replace a lost or stolen ATM card or credit card if you have a photocopy proving you really owned what you lost.  We will all be turning our plane tickets into Mr. Cleveland, for safe keeping while we are in the city.