Even simple behavioral measures are suitable for preventing pickpocketing. Protect yourself by being aware of the dangers of handling your valuables. The State Office of Criminal Investigation has compiled tips on this, take a look at our download box on this page.
Our Crime Prevention and Victim Protection Department will be happy to advise you. You can reach us on 02381 916-3300.
Pickpocketing can be very expensive for you!
Victims of pickpocketing lose more than just their money. Recovering ID cards and keys is very time-consuming and expensive. Personal items and photos are often lost forever. Sensitive data and personal photos on smartphones fall into unknown hands. In the worst cases, bank accounts and credit cards are emptied and subscriptions and purchases are made with the ID card.
The tricks of pickpockets
Thieves usually work in teams. They often distract the victims by one perpetrator provoking a "traffic jam" in the crowd, jostling the victims seemingly unintentionally or asking for the time, directions or similar. An accomplice takes the wallet or cell phone from the victim's pocket and disappears inconspicuously.
Customers who unsuspectingly look at goods in stores, try on clothes or do their shopping are also popular victims of pickpockets.
So anyone can become a victim! Openly carried valuables and bags make it easier for thieves to carry out the crime.
The thieves' concept: Don't attract attention and escape undetected
Many pickpockets are professional multiple offenders who make a living from their crimes. The perpetrators often use a division of labor and escape undetected. The victims often only realize that they have been robbed after a considerable delay. It is therefore difficult to determine the exact location of the crime and possible perpetrators. Observations by the victim or witnesses are rare; descriptions of the perpetrators are the exception. Prevention is therefore the best way to combat pickpocketing.
Further tips on how to protect yourself against thieves can be found in the download box on the right and on the Internet page of the LKA NRW.