Watch out! Pickpockets are eyeing your wallet!
By Guan Xiaomeng (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2006-01-19 10:11

Ever had your stuff ripped off while on a bus or shortly after you leave a bank? Or ever found your handbag missing after trying on a pair of shoes in a shop?

This kind of headache is even more frustrating around festivals. But those who love picking your pockets will find it even more frustrating if they don't take advantage of the opportunities provided by festivals.

So as Spring Festival draws near, let's look at some tips and suggestions, courtesy of the police, on how to avoid such frustration, and jokingly, to make pickpockets frustrated.

How do pickpockets make their hunts?

Bus pickpockets usually appear in groups of two of three on busy bus lines during rush hours. They cooperate like this: One picks the money, one helps cover the theft, and another quickly moves the booty away.

Who are their preys?

According to a pickpocket's confession to the police, they usually fix their targets on young girls and middle-aged men. They find it much easier to rob these two groups because young girls love to carry backpacks while most middle-aged men carry their cell phones on their waists and wallets in their trousers pockets.

Other tricks pickpockets play

On a steamy day, if you see a person in thick clothes like a sweater you have to be careful, for the person may be a pickpocket. Sweaters help these thieves cover their "mission," giving them enough pockets to put the theft into.

However, in winter, they usually wear thinner clothes than other people and no gloves. Other signs include undoing their coats’ buckles or zippers once getting on the bus, carrying having a scarf or coat laying in their arms, or holding a hat in their hands, all of which are handy gadgets to help them pick pockets undetected.

Other warnings

1. If you carry a lot of money or some valuables on you, don't display them while on the bus!

2. Keep an eye on your cell phones and money and don't put them in your outer pockets.

3. Keep your jewelry inside your coat.

4. Be alert for pickpockets when there is a sudden throng of people.

5. Don't fall asleep, and be sober-headed.

6. Try to get into the middle of the bus as much as possible instead of remaining near the bus door, where pickpockets like to make an easy getaway.

If you unfortunately happen to have your belongings stolen, here are some important steps to follow: For cell phones, first and foremost, before even asking the police for help, go and suspend your cell phone number. Then go to the police with your suspended cell phone documents, cell phone invoice, and ID card. If pickpockets cut your handbags or clothes, bring them to the police as evidence as well.