Theft Prevention

Theft can occur anywhere – it is distressing and inconvenient. While being the victim of crime should never be considered your fault, it is in your best interests to do everything you can to prevent becoming a statistic.

Tourists are often targeted for theft. Thieves know they are likely to be carrying valuables and cash. There are also local scams that unsuspecting tourists may fall prey to. It is sad that it is necessary to be on guard, and be suspicious of simple requests from strangers, but it is better to seem a bit rude, than be fooled.

Children, injured adults or otherwise ‘harmless’ looking people can be inveigled into helping thieves. Beware of people asking for change (which will involve you taking out and searching through your wallet – it makes it easy to snatch), or giving free drink tokens for certain bars – they can often be scams.

Whether it’s a holiday or a business trip, it’s important to stay alert and know your surroundings to avoid petty theft.

Depending on where you’re going, you may want to choose a body wallet over a purse, a backpack over a suitcase, or other similar tweaks to your usual attire. Leave expensive jewellery, extra clothing, and other non-essentials at home, and forego anything flashy, brand-labeled, or attention-drawing. Not only will you know your valuables are safe at home, you’ll also enjoy the freedom of traveling light and in a manner that will hopefully allow you to blend in with the locals.

Act confidently and avoid fumbling in a bag or looking lost. Thieves prey on the easiest or most distracted targets they can find.

Invest in a few extra precautions for your bags. Zipper locks make it harder for thieves to get into your bag, and may cause them to move on.  Cable locks allow you to tether your bag to something stationary (for example to a table leg while you are sitting in a cafe), and a bag with mesh or slash-proof panels to keep thieves from tearing it open and making off with what’s inside. Your bags may need to be unlocked if they are your carry-on luggage, so bring the locks along and attach them to your bags once on the ground.

Make copies of all your important documents (passport, itinerary, reservation confirmations, credit cards) and give them to trusted family and friends before you leave. You’ll also want to share copies of customer service phone numbers and emergency contacts. This way, in case your wallet and/or bags get stolen, you’ll have backup to continue with your trip, honour your reservations, and have a means to get home.

Travel insurance is essential for protection and piece of mind, no matter how long you are travelling for.  Ask for advice.

Maintain every day security measures – at home, it would be unwise to leave cash lying around, or your car unlocked with valuables inside, so exercise the same caution overseas. Before you go out exploring, decide what you need to have with you and how to best protect it. Your money, credit cards, and forms of ID should be in a secure place, such as a money belt that’s worn close to your body or an interior jacket pocket.

Ask guides and your travel agent about potential pitfalls and avoid crowds or other touristy areas known for petty theft, pickpockets, and the like.

It may be a good idea to carry a dummy wallet on you, filled with loose change and a few small bills. If you are held up and asked for your wallet, you can get rid of the dummy one, the thief will be none the wiser, and you’ll still have your valuables.

Unfortunately, even the most aware and alert traveler can experience a bit of bad luck. If you do get robbed, there are a few steps to take to make the best of a bad situation.

If you lose your passport or other identification documents, get in touch with the nearest embassy. Ideally, you will already have copies made that you can take along with you—this will expedite the replacement process.

Report any theft to the police so that they have a record of it. A report is necessary to facilitate insurance claims.

Finally, don’t let the thought of theft ruin your travel experience. Use your common sense, stay alert, and enjoy your destination.