If you’re planning this year’s holidays and don’t want to be caught out it’s wise to know the ways in which you might be scammed or taken advantage of. Tourists are often targeted, whether it’s increased taxi costs, inflated restaurant fees or something else in between. While some of these we begrudgingly pay, one thing to avoid on holiday is becoming a victim of pickpocketing – and luckily, there’s a cheap way to prevent your valuables from being stolen.
Private Investigator Aaron Bond from Bond Rees said: “Pickpockets are masters of deception and will often use distraction techniques against you to steal from you. Quite often, they will cause a distraction like putting a hat on your head for you to try while one of their friends slips your wallet out of your pocket or bag.”
“As a private detective, I’ve seen how cunning these thieves can be and how efficient they can operate, but one of the simplest and most effective ways to outsmart them requires a simple household item, and that’s a rubber band.”
The rubber band adds texture and resistance to your wallet, and makes it harder for it to slip easily out of your pocket.
Aaron said: “If someone does try to remove your wallet you should be able to feel it, increasing the chance of you being able to react in time.
“The hack is simple, place a thick rubber band around the centre of your wallet, this will create the maximum resistance. You should always keep your wallet in the front of your pockets too, it’s much easier for someone to steal from you if you keep your wallet in your back pocket.”
Although this trick can help, it shouldn’t be relied on entirely. You still need to be vigilant for thieves targeting you.
Aaron said: “Study your map before leaving your hotel and have a good idea of where you are heading, then keep your head up and take in your surroundings. Doing this will help to keep you safe when travelling.”
