May 24, 2002, Newsletter Issue #76: Be Aware of Street Criminals

Tip of the Week

Don`t be distracted by an "accident" of something being spilled on you If a stranger is right there offering to help you clean up or wipe you off, don`t put your purse/bags down...that could be the opportunity they`ve been waiting for. One or two accomplices could work in concert in causing/assisting/and distracting you.

If your ATM card becomes stuck in a machine, enter a fake PIN 3 times, leave, then report the problem to the bank. Accept no one`s "help" in getting it to work. Thieves have been known to rig the machines to stick. If they also have access to your PIN number, ouch!

A staged street fight among boys is common in Italy. The loser approached you in tears asking for money to get home. You take your wallet out...bye-bye wallet...unless you can run faster than a kid on his own turf.

Keep your purse strap looped under and around chair legs at a cafe or restaurant, and keep the bag on your lap if you can.

In London, pickpockets actually put up signs warning about pickpockets! Human nature causes many to touch the pocket where the wallet is kept, signalling its location.

Before you hand your car keys to a parking lot attendant, make sure there is supposed to be a parking lot attendant.

Accept roadside assistance from police only.

Carefully watch your belongings as they go through an X-ray machine; if the person ahead of you sets it off and you have to wait, and your belongings are already through, it`s ripe for the taking. Wait until the person in front of you clears before you add your items to the belt.

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