[Cupnoodle]

Originally Posted by ZIEBART

I cut and paste a good article i read from another forum. Good advise for our people.

" Pick-Pocket Teams At It Again- Warning For Tourists And Ex-pats Alike

They seem to come and go and right now they are definitely here. Maybe when there have been too many complaints that the police can’t ignore them any longer and they just have to start doing something about them that the groups will disappear. Most likely they go to some other town and continue their game.

One group is currently working between Check Point and the Clarkton Hotel. They work in a group for various reasons, one of course is for protection in the event that someone catches them red-handed and wants to beat the crap out of them. Another reason is because they work a plan. Several will get on a jeep and crowd a victim. One of them, usually a woman will drop some coins at the victims feet. When the victim bends over to assist the girl picking up her coins the guy sitting 2 spots over will reach around the guy between himself and the victim and lift the victim’s wallet. He quickly removes the cash and sticks the wallet under the seat and kicks it away from himself.

Another technique, for guys that don’t carry a wallet is to use a razor and cut open the victim’s front pocket. These groups are trained professionals so it isn’t wise to take them lightly and just keeping your wits about you may not be enough. If you are riding a jeep and someone drops something at your feet.. that's a signal that the game is on... don't even think of bending over to help. Stare at everyone around you and make sure they see that you are paying very close attention to their every move. Never to carry anything valuable in your pockets and only take enough money to accomplish what you plan for your day or night.

One particularly large team is now working on McArthur Hwy between Fields Ave and Robinsons Mall. When a jeep stops one young guy runs up and takes a look to see if there are foreigners riding inside, if so he tells the driver to wait for a minute and he signals his accomplices. About 8 to 10 guys varying in age from early 20 to mid 50’s will pile into the jeep and purposely crowd the victim. With 2 or 3 guys pushing and brushing against you it’s hard to focus on protecting your back pockets. All they want is the cash, they have no use for cards, either credit or debit. Taking a trike is considerably more expensive and haggling with a trike driver is a pain in the ass but in the long run is a whole lot cheaper and probably more convenient. Again, no matter where you’re going don’t carry any more money with you than you require. "

Credit to Heyjoe.

Have to read this and be careful. You may bring whatever you like however don't blame anyone if you lost any of valuable belonging. Thanks to bro ZIEBART