Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Pickpocketing Methods. Pickpocketing Methods.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London
Posts: 57
Pickpocketing Methods.
I was recently a victim of one of the oldest pickpocketing tricks ever in Addis Ababa. Well, everybody seems to know about it apart from me!

So, I'll do a short description of it and if anybody else has ever been caught out in any other way, I'll be very interested to know so that I can be ready with an almighty punch next time! Also, I lost both my credit cards, stranding me without money, so if this can be prevented for somebody else, I'll be a happy man.

Basically, some bastard will walk a few paces in front of you. Suddenly he will turn around spitting a stream on your trousers (in my case) or jacket, depending in which pocket your wallet is. Apologizing profusely he will start to rub furiously on the area affected, in this way making it unable for you to feel his other hand, or the other guy's behind you, lifting the wallet out of your pocket!

There are various variations on this, but basically if somebody by accident spit on you, or spill something on you, immediately make sure you get away from him and check behind you.

I really hope this might help someone, and if you know another trick, let us know.

Regards,

Namsa.

ABOUT US « Orphea’s African Tales
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 37
Sorry to say this mate, but it happens a lot. Here a common thing will be to have a big guy behind you that just holds your arms and the little guy in front takes his time going through your pockets.

Stay in well lit areas, avoid crowds, don't go to heavily shopped local markets without a local with you, move your wallet to a harder to get area, and stow some cash somewhere else.

I have a thousand Com under my insole, just in case...and i ONLY carry an embassy copied and sealed copy of my passport.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: England
Posts: 201
Buenos Aires pincer movement
I got done at the bus terminal last week in Buenos Aires. Two young women, one each side, crowded me and pushed at my my thighs with their hand luggage to get on the bus south to Patagonia. I thought: Ill mannered girls.
I should have thought: Argentines are seldom bad mannered. Using public transport, men give up their seats to women and to old guys like me.
I should have thought: Going to Patagonia in mid-winter. Where are their anoraks?
What irrtitates is that I considered the velcro leg pòckets on my cargo pants more or less theft proof. I've told people that only a dwarf could get at them without looking obvious. These were short women! Maybe they are specialists in cargo trousers!
Any way I in Ushuaia, found my Honda safe at the Honda Agency, have had it serviced and changed the tires and am ready for the ride North to NY. Ready but a little scared. Though I had no trouble on the way south from Mexico last year - see BLOG at home
But I didn't ride thru Brazil.
And I am a year nearer the grave...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Jul 2007
lorraine's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Definitely Nomadic
Posts: 523
Oh stop Simon!!! 'I am a year nearer the grave.' You're sounding American. ;-) Sorry you're having some bad luck. I hope it passes quickly. I'm still in Colombia, hoping to find open spaces very soon....
Lorraine
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Jul 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Simon,
Old fella', I think you could get an Oscar playing the feeble old pensioner.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 06:03.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Jul 2007
lorraine's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Definitely Nomadic
Posts: 523
Thanks Patrick, that's an encouraging send off note to our friend! "in Brazil....just run for your life." :-(

But does this mean we get to tell pickpocketing stories??? (Instead of me doing my work....) Myself and a friend were in Khartoum on a bus. She was wearing a money belt. Suddenly she looked down and realized her passport and money had been lifted. I realized somehow that the woman near us had taken the stuff. Instinct got the better of me and I grabbed the woman's tobe and shook it. Out fell the passport and money. And she realized she was in a shit load of trouble, and lunged at me. It took five guys to get her off me. She was one tough bint. And then it was the usual, her being escorted through the streets to the police office while people yelled at her. We were told she'd get about 3 days. We felt bad but....
Lorraine
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
shipping methods mobydick Trip Transport 2 21 Jan 2007 16:40
FRS Radios - Simple Methods Brian_Sandra_Smith Communications 4 17 Jun 2004 18:01

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:34.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top