WATCHFULNESS

WATCHFULNESS
Key information
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM
Be aware of your surroundings and people next to you.
Do not allow strangers to distract you.
Keep your wallet in an inside jacket pocket or wrap a rubber band around it to make it difficult to open.
Carry a bag or a purse in front of you, rather than on your back or side, and always keep the bag zipped or snapped shut.
Never leave a bag unattended in a store or a restaurant.
Carry just one credit card and only a few pieces of ID, so if your wallet is swiped, thieves cannot also steal your identity.
SCAMS TO WATCH FOR
The Squirt Job: A thief squirts a condiment like ketchup or mayonnaise on a victim's jacket. The thief then points it out, or his partner points it out. While the victim wipes off the stain, the thief picks the pocket or bag.
The Money Drop: A thief drops cash or other items in front of the victim walking down the street. Another thief comes from behind and picks the distracted victim's pocket or swipes his or her bag.
The Flat Tire: A thief looks for a driver sitting inside a car, punctures the car's tire and then points it out. When the driver gets out of the car to inspect the tire, another thief steals valuables from the vehicle.
The Bump: A thief bumps into a victim on the street, in a store or in the subway, giving his accomplice time to sneak up from behind and pick the jostled victim's pocket.
Source: New York Police Department