These are the things to look out for in anything remotely as a crowd:
Pickpockets:
Never carry more valuables on your person than you can afford to lose. carry money, cards, and passport in a shoulder holster under your shirt. Keep your hand in your pocket if you have a small amount of money, and pay attention to the straps on the camera bag, rarely carried. There are versions to go around the neck or hang from a bra, and some still like moneybelts.
Groups of teenagers, especially (it seems) young girls. If a group approaches you, avoidance is best: shouting will chase away most; kicks will deter the most-determined.
Distractions - especially the Gypsies and their kids. (Apologies for what may be a politically incorrect stereotype -- surely most Gypsies are hardworking and honest.)
Scooters - keep purses and camera bags on the building side, and away from the curb.
Avoid looking like an easy mark - look like you know where you're going.
Fanny packs (bum packs, if you're British) are an invitation to theft.,br>
As far as shoulder bags and belt packs are concerned (as well as purses): Assume anything you have over your shoulder or on your back can and will be opened, cut open, cut off, torn off, etc.
(Cynical, aren't I? Rarely happens, but it does ... at home and abroad.) Keep as little of value in places other people can get to as possible, and keep most of your money, credit cards and id securely tucked away out of harm's reach.
When sitting at a table, or on a seat on the subway or bus, for example, don't put your bag down on the ground behind you unattended. Hold it in your lap if possible. If not, loop the strap around your chair leg, or your chair.
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on Aug 25, 2002
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