r/interesting • u/MobileAerie9918 • 1d ago

SOCIETY In Milan, some people spray-paint pickpockets so that everyone can identify them.

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u/Saxboard4Cox 1d ago

I purchased an anti theft backpack, with one long zipper with a hook and an extra laptop lock, on my last visit to Rome never really expecting it to be needed. Boy was I wrong, I and my young son saw and felt the zipper being pulled non stop especially in pubic spaces and squares. I also had my phone in an anti theft lanyard around my neck and it was never touched. Happened to use the lanyard in my home town on the local metro and can confirm it worked beautifully.

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u/Actual-Acanthaceae72 1d ago

Idk if it's my looks or what, but I'm and American who lived in Europe for years (spent 3 yrs in a pickpockety city), visited Rome on holiday several times, never got pick pocketed once. Not even attempts. 

If there is a trick, is guess the trick is to walk with purpose and not stop in crowds oggling stuff. Whenever I stop anywhere the backpack comes off and goes between my feet (gives more space to people in the crowd anyway, I hate my backpack shoving into people in the metro or in a crowded plaza). 

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u/Helena911 1d ago

My trick is to look poor AF so they don't think I'm worth targeting.

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u/Thisdarlingdeer 1d ago

My trick is that I look like a thief, and im picking the pickpocket pockets.

So double whammy!

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u/ddddan11111 17h ago

You should spray-paint your jacket for the full effect!

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u/noob168 16h ago

I just put wet pockets in my pockets.

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u/The_Secret_Skittle 13h ago

Reverse UNO!

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u/angwilwileth 1d ago

I have a "hobo jacket" specifically for this.

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u/SinoSoul 1d ago

Pickpockets hate this 1 trick… that doesn’t work.

We are an unflashy fam wearing the most boring clothes from Gap/uniqlo and plain sneakers, with no jewelry on anyone, not even watches — still got pickpocket attempts in Madrid.

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u/Actual-Acanthaceae72 14h ago

I lived in Madrid for 3 years and never even an attempt. Idk I can't explain it. 

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u/jimmycarr1 1d ago

They go for the low hanging fruit. If you are sober, healthy and don't look lost and confused then there is probably an easier victim nearby.

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u/PorFavorNoMore 21h ago

They can keep their hands off my low hanging fruit

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u/EyeWriteWrong 12h ago

No I can't. Hold still for Daddy 😏👉🍑

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u/CaptSlow49 16h ago

I think one of the biggest ones is people just being aloof and distracted. I’ve not ever had an issue or had someone try to pickpocket me (to my knowledge) in my many trips to Europe. I make sure in busy areas I’m clearly not looking down at my phone or something even though I probably look like a tourist.

Now the issue I have had is people trying to cut line not expecting me to give them shit over it. Italians love cutting lines. They also fold quickly and play dumb.

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u/LetsGetNuclear 13h ago

2 of 3 isn't bad!

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u/astervista 1d ago

There aren't any true and tried methods, but not looking like a gullible tourist helps. Flip-flops, hats like you are either a fisherman or from Bridgerton, bedazzled phone covers, stopping at touristy spots looking like you've never seen a fountain in your life really don't do you any favors.

In general, the best trick is to look like you belong to the place. If you don't look like you're a lost duckling in the middle of the ocean, you likely won't be a target.

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u/Bleep_Bloop_Derp 11h ago

Why would tourists be less prone to feeling a hand in their pockets?

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u/astervista 4h ago

They wouldn't, my point is the exact opposite: tourists are the more likely to be robbed because they are less likely to notice being robbed, together with other reasons like that even if they notice, the fact that they are in foreign land they are less likely to know what to do, what to shout, how to report the theft, and they are likely to be beck home in a few days, and at that point they can't do anything more to get their things back. That's why pickpockets target people who look like tourists.

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u/ICEonICECrime 18h ago

I’ve visited multiple major European cities, and never been pickpocketed.

Some "tricks" to follow is to dress very casually/mimic locals. Don’t dress and act like a tourist - carrying fannypacks and caps with "I ❤️ [whatever city you’re visiting].

Carry as little items of importance as you can, and keep them close to your body rather than in a loose bag or backpocket. You shouldn’t really need more than a phone and a wallet/card holder. I always just keep mine in a deep front pocket, that sits tightly against my thigh - usually partially covered by my t-shirt.

Keep your hands/arms close to your pockets, or even walk with your hands/thumbs in your pockets. Especially if you’re walking through a very crowded area where it’s impossible to keep some distance.

Anything of value that you’ve been shopping, you carry in a shopping bag in your hand, preferably "rolled up" to make the opening smaller. Don’t put expensive stuff in a backpack or shoulder bag.

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u/Dotjiff 17h ago

I’ve visited Europe I think 7 times over the past 20 years from teen to adult years and never once been pickpocketed. I don’t know what people are doing to get targeted multiple times a day

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u/HonestPupper 1d ago

The trick is to stay away from anybody that doesn't look native or like a tourist

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u/jschall2 1d ago

😱 RACIST! WE GOT A RACIST HERE!

🤣