6 Things Pickpockets Don’t Want Floridians to Know

The holiday crowds are on their way, and so are the thieves who work them.

Floridians heading out to shop, celebrate or travel may be making their job easier without realizing it.

Here’s what pickpockets would rather you not know.

Note: This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Card liability rules and dollar amounts are subject to change.

1. Back Pockets

Back trouser pockets are a big target for pickpockets, along with suitcoat and sports jacket pockets, inside and out.

A pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets.

Your wallet belongs up front.

In a December 2023 notice, Tampa police recommended carrying your wallet in a front pocket or using a purse that zips closed.

A shoulder bag goes with the strap diagonally across your body, not on one shoulder.

A hand bag belongs close to the front of your body, not on your wrist or loosely in your hand.

2. Patting Your Pocket

A pickpocket can learn your wallet’s exact location when you pat your pocket to check it.

The advice is to never do it.

Make sure your wallet is where you want it before you head into a crowd.

Then leave your pocket alone.

3. Pocket Linings

An expert pickpocket reaches into the top of your pocket and takes up a pleat in the lining.

Then the pickpocket continually folds the lining up until the bottom of the pocket, holding your valuables, reaches the top.

Some people place a rubber band around their wallet because it creates friction and rubs against the fabric of the pocket if someone tries to remove it without their knowledge.

That's the method.

The best place for keys is on a chain attached to your clothing.

Tying a rubber band around a phone is also an easy way of stopping a pickpocket, and you should always lock your phone with a passcode or pass-phrase.

4. Teams of Two or Three

Many pickpockets work alone, but there are also teams of two or three, which sometimes involve a female accomplice, according to the guide.

A female accomplice's role is generally to engage you in conversation to distract your attention.

You may want to think twice when a stranger in a crowd starts a friendly chat.

Crowds aren't required, either.

Pickpockets operate in crowds just as easily as they 'accidentally' bump into an unsuspecting victim alone on a sidewalk.

5. Cash-Heavy Days

Pickpockets generally focus on times when you may be carrying more money than usual.

Holidays, store sales, fairs or carnivals, casinos, and bank entrances are all on the guide's list.

Tampa police's crime prevention page says to carry small amounts of cash and credit cards.

The department's December 2023 notice followed an increase the department described in purse and wallet thefts at restaurants and shopping plazas.

That notice also tells you to keep your wallet and keys off the table, and your purse off the back of your chair.

Bring less cash.

6. Ordinary Faces

An experienced pickpocket isn't necessarily the sleazy person lurking in dark doorways you expect to see.

Looks may not warn you.

Pickpockets don't have a regular schedule, and they operate just as well at night as they do during the day.

The guide's travel tips include not wandering into risky areas alone or at night, and avoiding buses that are standing room only.

At the Airport Checkpoint

Pickpocket protection follows you to the airport checkpoint, where the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a blog post from 2014 on keeping your items secure during screening.

It says to put your wallet, phone, watch, jewelry or other small items in your carry-on bag while you're in line or loading items into the bins.

Your bag beats the bin.

If something goes missing, notify a TSA officer or airport law enforcement officer immediately.

TSA can often work with the airport and local law enforcement to review security camera footage.

For travel, the guide says to pack a photocopy of your airline tickets, passport, credit cards and other documents that would be impossible or inconvenient to replace.

It's also a good idea to carry your valuables in a money belt and leave your expensive jewelry at home.

The post also points to a lost and found contacts page with phone numbers for airports.

If a Card Goes Missing

If a pickpocket gets your credit card, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says the most you might owe is $50.

That applies if someone uses it before you report it lost or stolen.

The Wilton Manors guide says to keep a list, separate from your wallet, of contact numbers to report lost credit cards.

Report the loss or theft to the bank or credit union that issued the card as soon as possible, by phone or on its mobile app, the FTC says.

Then follow up in writing, with your account number and when you noticed the card was missing.

Debit cards carry a steeper limit.

Report within two business days of learning your card is missing, and your share is $50.