Belongings can rise up out of back pockets when you walk for a period of time. This makes items in your back pocket much easier to steal.

If you have a choice, use a Velcro or fabric wallet instead of smooth leather. These are much harder to remove without you noticing.

If you have to stash something in your jacket, put it in a Velcro pouch. The Velcro will make a bunch of noise if someone tries to reach inside of the pocket. You can use pants that have zippers on the inside or put your money in a neutral-colored infinity scarf that has a zip. [5] X Expert Source Archana Ramamoorthy, MSChief Technology Officer, Workday Expert Interview. 26 February 2019.

If you are storing your money in a pocket, pick a front pocket on your pants or jacket. Do not store anything else in the pocket so that thieves think your pocket is empty.

Don’t stick your decoy wallet out of your pocket so that it is highly visible. You don’t want to encourage people to rob you!

The smaller you can make your purse, the better. Big purses provide more space for a thief to operate.

If you really want to avoid giving pickpockets a chance at your bag, you can walk around with it hanging on your chest instead of your back.

Keep your hands on your valuables and your bag in front of you at all times. [11] X Expert Source Allyson EdwardsWorld Traveler & International Consultant Expert Interview. 12 March 2019.

Do not use a fanny pack with the standard plastic buckle. Instead, get an anti-theft fanny pack online. These packs have tougher buckles, and can often be locked to prevent thieves from accessing their contents.

Always leave some extra cash in your hotel safe. In the event that you are pickpocketed, you’ll still be able to get a ride and feed yourself before you can rectify the situation.

When you take your phone out to take photos, always put it back in your pocket when you’re done. Turn down offers from strangers to take your photo with your phone. Print the maps that you need at the hotel to avoid needing to use your phone to figure out where you are. Even if you don’t want to use it, it’s still a good idea to keep your phone on you. You never know when you’re going to need to make an emergency call.

Unless they’re incredibly loose, your rings are probably fine. They’re pretty hard to lift without you noticing. Be wary of wearing rings with gemstones in them, though. If you’re wearing a lot of jewels, pickpockets are more likely to assume that you’re carrying a lot of cash. If you can, don’t bring any jewelry on your trip. Unless you’re going out to a fancy dinner or show, there’s no need to bring it along.

ATMs that are tucked away inside of private nooks at restaurants and hotels are much more difficult to exploit.

Avoid brushing up against people in crowds or tight quarters. Thieves often rely on dense crowds to avoid being noticed. Keep a tight hold on your belongings and remain alert when you’re on the bus, getting on a train, or wandering through a crowded metropolitan area. Be wary of interviewers, fundraisers, or chatty strangers. Pickpockets will often work in teams and try to distract you while someone robs you from behind.

Be cautious about accepting unsolicited help. Most people are just trying to help, but pickpockets often volunteer to help to lure you into feeling safe.

This won’t necessarily work if you’re an Brit with red hair travelling in India. If you’re really far from home, you may simply not be able to blend in.

This is more common in countries with a lot of motorized scooters. In the United States, for example, this is not a common type of theft. Walk against the flow of traffic so that you can see a scooter or bike pulling up to you.

If you do want to give a street performer money, keep a dollar or some spare change in a pocket where you aren’t storing your wallet. This way, potential thieves won’t know where you keep your cash when you go to donate some money.

It may be annoying, but it’s better to just take an extra 5-10 minutes to carry your luggage yourself.