Comments on: 146 – Pickpocket! Basic security for your possessions

By: Craig and Linda

Craig and Linda — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:14:25 +0000

Strange to hear that’s back on the rise in Malaysia, but I won’t disagree with you. It’s good advice in every country, just like looping a bag strap around your leg while in a restaurant or café … It’s horrible when they go missing.

By: Simon

Simon — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:21:46 +0000

Also it’s important to be aware that in Asia there are a growing number of incidences of motorcycle bag snatches. In Malaysia we were warned to keep our backpacks on both shoulders or our bags strapped across our chests as thieves would occasionally zip down a busy street on a motorbike and easily strip tourists of bags hanging off one shoulder.

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:08:14 +0000

I guess for me this is the only part of traveling, that I just dislike with an increasing intensity. Almost daily I hear of someone loosing their most important assets whilst traveling. We forget that this is no different than in our own country. I have never felt threatened (to date) or felt that my backpack, or carry bag would be snatched. Yet, I do the same things everyone else does. I forget and leave it exposed, or placed on a table for easy picking. I must remind myself that just because I am getting smiles and friendly gestures that I must continue with my own personal security regime as I would in my home town.

By: tikitravel

tikitravel — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:26:48 +0000

Stabbed for an iPod, now that’s crazy. I never bring anthing like that out and about with me while i’m touring the city, you don’t really need it when your out exploring anyway. The camera thing can be a pain though. I hate when you just want to take a picture and all of a sudden all eyes are on you checking out your fancy toy.

By: Victoria Fenner

Victoria Fenner — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:28:23 +0000

I can relate .. I just came back from a great trip in Central America. I had no misadventures, but was always aware that something could happen. One thing I was told is that displaying Ipods, cameras etc. make you especially vulnerable. I was told by a reliable source (someone who doesn’t get scared easily) that people using gear in public are taking big risks .. she has heard of people being stabbed for their Ipods. Which meant that there were places where I couldn’t get recordings or photos. Mostly in the big cities .. Guatemala City in particular is a place where you have to be especially careful. It’s a balance .. being careful enough but not so paranoid you can never relax.

By: Christina

Christina — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:08:25 +0000

Yes, we were targeted in Quito, Ecuador, but we could tell what they were right away. My husband and I fool thieves by having a “fake” wallet in our front or back pockets. These hold some old or fake IDs and a few dollars. If they are taken…not a big loss. The rest of our money is in the safe place on our bodies. We did see an elderly Ecuadorian man being robbed in the Old Town by a young Ecuadorian man. The young man grabbed the older man’s pants pocket and lifted him bodily up and down a few times until his pocket ripped and he dumped the guy onto the ground. The theif took off with the wallet. We, as well as other Ecuadorians, were shocked. We grabbed the nearest taxi out of there.

By: Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:49:27 +0000

you need to be careful in south america. it’s pick pocket heaven!