PSA: Overheard a guy at the bus stop talking about losing his wallet and it made me check my bag

I was waiting for the 42 bus yesterday in Austin and this guy was on the phone saying someone grabbed his wallet while he was standing in line for tacos. He said he didn't even feel it. Totally freaked me out. I started keeping my wallet in my front pocket now. Anyone else got tips for avoiding pickpockets in crowded spots?

3 comments

3 Comments

averymartin19d ago

oh jeez, front pocket is definitely better but honestly that's not a guarantee either lol. i actually lived in a big city for a while and pickpockets can be crazy smooth. one trick that worked for me was using a travel wallet with a clip that you can attach to your belt loop or bag strap. that way even if someone grabs at it they just pull the wallet out of your pocket but it's still clipped to you. also, try not to put your wallet in your back pocket at all, even if it's a front pocket thing, cause some of them lean in close like they're hugging you or something. and lmao maybe i'm paranoid but i always keep my hand in my pocket when i'm in a tight crowd. better safe than sorry i guess.

morgan89819d ago

yeah the clipped wallet thing is actually genius. i had a friend who got his phone stolen at a concert cause someone just bumped into him and it was gone. he didn't even feel it. i've started putting my wallet in my front jacket pocket with a zipper whenever i can, and if i'm wearing shorts i just don't carry it at all. it's wild how fast pickpockets work, like they've got it down to a science. the hand in the pocket trick is real too, but i've also seen people just cut the bottom of your pocket with a razor blade and grab stuff that way. honestly the safest thing is just not taking much cash or cards with you if you're going somewhere packed, but that's easier said than done.

kim.zara17d agoTop Commenter

Wait so @averymartin actually had a friend whose pocket got sliced open at a festival... wild. i started doing something similar where i just wear those hiking pants with the zip pockets whenever i'm going somewhere sketchy. they're ugly as sin but honestly i'd rather look stupid than lose my whole wallet. and yeah the clip thing is legit, i've got one of those retractable badge reels from an old job and i just clip my wallet to my belt loop inside my pants so you can't even see it. feels like i'm being extra but better that than dealing with getting your ID and cards stolen...