IndiaPost.com - Pick pocketing capital of world

India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: "Gosh, misery, I have been robbed," said Alice in Wonderland. But the similar ubiquitous phenomena can leave you exasperated in any part of the world. Most people I have met on my travelogues were pick- pocketed in Spain.

For me too it was Spain, which now I can say is the "capital of pick-pocketing". On a back-pack trip to Europe with my family, we boarded a Barcelona Metro. As my wife and two daughters fetched seats for themselves, I had to stand.

Soon the pixy crowd extended itself into a cramped-up mob. It wasn't something awkward, in fact quite routinely Indian. While all this deliberation was being undertaken, there was a soft push. I turned to look around; a girl was standing by my side. That one was followed by two stronger, harder counterparts.

The third one actually stuck me as I felt a slight pressure on my stomach. The same girl was leaning on me. Shocked I discovered a green jacket draped on her forearm pushed against my stomach, blocking my view of the pouch hanging down around my waist in which I had my wallet and passport.

The pockets were zipped apart, the wallet was missing. With a rush of blood through my veins, I announced loudly to everyone in the car, she's a pickpocket. We managed to grab her and get her down on the next station. We inspected her, nothing was found.

I was bereft of all my credit cards, contacts, IDs and countless of the money stolen. But luckily my passports were still inside it. All in just 5 minutes. My first encounter, this inconvenient experience made me realize that one's own carelessness can land one into tacky situations anytime, anywhere.

Many people will say I'm way too paranoid when it comes to pickpockets. But what's gone is gone, leaving you drained of energy and belongings. I have also comprehended that a number of people come very close to being pick- pocketed but don't ever recognize it. Thieves come in the form of pickpockets, scam artist burglars and more frequently muggers.

The bad news: As tourists, especially Indians we are prime targets for these thieves. We tend to carry valuable objects; our currency is in cash and is unlikely to hang around to be witnesses at trials. The good news: With a little forewarning and exercising some foresight we can significantly reduce our chances of becoming targets.

While only a relatively small number of travelers each year are victimized by Pickpockets, dealing with pick pocketing is a fact of life in large cities of Spain, Europe, and the USA. In Spain, the locals are not responsible for this character. The culprits are gypsies belonging to Croatia, Romania, Armenia and Russia.

For a matter of fact, as a tourist, it is best to look at it as part of the adventure of visiting a different place. It doesn't need to be a genius to figure out that most pickpockets work in groups. All take advantage of your attention being on something other than your pocketbook, usually by providing their own misdirection.

Don't lose sight while checking out beautiful sites. Forewarning: Beware of the man that steps on your leg and then wants to brush off the dirt. While you're watching him, his partner is going through your pockets. Beware getting on a full Metro car, particularly when carrying something.

After some confusing jostling you might find your wallet missing. Take that colorful character that comes up to you to sell a scarf, flower, tell your fortune, and give you an herb, etc seriously. If you take out your wallet to buy or give money, you will be amazed to be told "no, not necessary" as her hand zips or shuts your wallet for you.

Later, of course, you will find your money is gone and again be amazed by this colorful character's sleight of hand. Beware if groups of individuals (usually women or kids) suddenly surround you, sometimes holding a paper in front of your view. If any of the scenarios listed to above should occur, just put your hands in your pockets or grab your bag tightly, keep walking, and just say "No!"

Many tourists do not report their pick pocketing experience but in most cases it is a necessity. There is also some reluctance on the part of the police in Spain and other such countries to register cases of theft and pick-pocketing.

To the extent that even when we identified the suspects, the Barcelona police did not arrest. One is obviously forced to believe in a truss between the department and the alleged. Foresight

• Keep your passport, most of your money and backup credit card in a money belt under your clothing. (Note: there are times you will need to anticipate the use of your passport, tickets, money exchange, and hotel check in.)

• Never place anything of value in your back- pant pockets. An inner pocket with a zipper proves useful. The tighter the front pocket- the better. If you have problems getting the item out then a pickpocket will too.