21 June 2023 , 13:37
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Tourists are being urged to remain vigilant in popular holiday hotspots, and avoid carrying one item that's sure to catch the attention of thieves.
Pickpockets will look out for a 'mark' - aka a person they will target when the opportunity arises. Holidaymakers often share warnings or tips with fellow travellers on how to avoid becoming a mark, with plenty of Reddit threads dedicated to the topic, the Express reports.
One tourist who goes by 'FoldedTwice' wrote: "Pickpocketing is an opportunistic crime, which happens when it is physically easy for someone to get something out of your bag or pocket and when you’re distracted and won’t notice.
"If either of these conditions isn't met, there’s no opportunity to pickpocket you. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas."
For example, if you're taking photos of a landmark, you may be too busy focusing on your screen to notice someone taking your wallet or phone out of your bag. In fact, a camera can be the ultimate giveaway that you're likely to be distracted.
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Avoid wearing a camera around your neck or you could be picked as a mark (Getty Images/Maskot)The tourist added: "A camera hanging around your neck will mark you out as a tourist, and so potentially a mark. Lots of other things will mark you out as a tourist, such as the fact that you’re speaking English and going to tourist sites."
The Mirror previously spoke to a security expert who highlighted that nowadays, having your phone stolen can be far more stressful than previous decades, because of how much we rely on our devices.
Where being pickpocketed used to mean just losing your belongings, now that most people use mobile banking and store their flight and hotel details on their phones.
Ben Stephens, UK enterprise business manager at HMD Global, revealed his top tips on how to protect your information in the unfortunate instance where your phone gets taken.
For example, an easy way to get around a phone lock is to remove the SIM card and place it in an unlocked phone.
If you take photos make sure you keep a firm hold on your belongings (Getty Images/Westend61)By setting a separate SIM lock you can stop your account and details being accessed, as well as blocking anyone from making calls and texts on your number, using this method.
Although the exact method varies phone to phone, there should be an option for 'set up SIM card lock' or something similarly named in your security settings.
He also suggested that many people choose to have their texts appear on the screensaver for ease.
While this might make keeping in contact with people simpler, it can also allow thieves to gather important information about you and even bank account details.
Turning off text and other message previews is an easy way to stop this happening.
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