Safety Issues
Remember that whenever you are in a new location (even if it is in the same country in which you live), you do know the local customs, nor is it always easy to identify the safe from the unsafe areas. Always be aware of your surroundings. Having been pick-pocketed and having been with others when they were pick-pocketed , you kind of have to accept that it could happen to you – and if it does you want to minimize any damage … these may seem like common sense suggestions but we figure we should make them in case you have not thought of them. We will tell some stories of things that have happened (we are not making them up).
What to keep in your wallet/purse
Only what is essential while traveling – that library card, your social security card (or social insurance number), the local store’s credit card, etc. does not need to travel with you. Also, try to keep your credit cards, passports, other identification separated. That way if one thing gets stolen, you will not be without another source of identification and/or funds. Only carry as much cash as you need for the day. If you have taken out money to cover several days, store the money you do not need immediately.
Protecting valuables
If you are traveling and are in between hotels/destinations – invest in an undergarment holder – some go around your neck, some go around your waist. Put the stuff you do not want to disappear into it.
If you are in a particular destination – see if your hotel has a safe where you can store your valuables. The hotel staff usually is quite helpful in providing a safe place for you to keep these things.
Common ways to get pick-pocketed or to have something stolen
While sitting at a restaurant you sling your purse behind you on your chair – or you put the purse besides you on the ground
While talking on a pay phone you put your purse or briefcase down on the ground
While reading a book in a public area you put your things down in the chair besides you or on the ground
You board a crowded subway, bus, etc. and as you are getting on, someone is picking your pocket, backpack, purse and then jumping off – so when you get on the bus/subway, etc. move as quickly as possible to the middle of the car (away from doors)
As you go through a turn stile, the person behind you is picking your pocket, etc.
You are driving through a crowded city with the windows rolled down and your purse, backpack, briefcase is on the seat beside an open window or unlocked door
You walk down the street with a backpack on, or your purse hanging behind you or your wallet in your back pocket
In a city with mopeds you are walking down the street with your purse, etc. on the side of your body that is closest to the road – a person on a moped grabs the purse, etc. and then zooms away
In a crowded location, there are swarms of little kids who come up to you and grab anything you have in your pockets, fanny pack (even if it is in front of you)
Be Aware
Use your common sense – if something does not feel right, act on your instinct. A few examples – Snail was traveling with her dad and was in line to purchase some subway tokens after a long train trip. She noticed a young fellow jump the line in front of her and buy some tokens – on the platforms this young fellow and a friend were hanging close to Snail and her dad – so Snail moved down the platform. But the two blokes followed – when the subway came, Snail immediately moved to the center of the car and called out to her dad to do the same thing – by this point it was too late, her dad had been pick-pocketed and the blokes were able to jump off the train before the doors closed. In retrospect, although she was trying to save some money, Snail should have sensed that something was not right and then taken a taxi instead of the subway.
On another trip, Snail and her friend were traveling by bus to a restaurant. Initially the bus was empty. Snail noticed some odd looking men jumped onto the bus at the last minute (using the rear doors). Snail and her friend were situated in a good spot (although standing) near the door. Snail suggested they move and her friend resisted initially. After moving, nothing happened. On their return trip, when they got off, Snail and her friend noticed the two men hanging out by the bus stop – Snail’s friend admitted that these men were probably crooks and was thankful they moved away from the bus door.
If you are walking down a street and it is quiet you should try to get off the quiet street and onto a busy street. If you see a stranger walking near you, cross the street – make it difficult for the stranger to do anything that would be bad. On another trip, Snail and a friend were walking to the subway from a restaurant and felt as though some men were following them. They crossed the street, got onto a busy street. When they got closer to the subway station they noticed the men still looked as though they were following them but the men were on the opposite side of the street. Not wanting anything to happen, Snail and her friend wisely decided it would be better to take a taxi back to their hotel.
What do you do if something happens
The moment something happens your instinct will be to run after the predator. DO NOT DO EVER ATTEMPT TO GO AFTER THE PREDATOR!!! – accept that what has happened has happened and be thankful that the only thing the predator got was your purse, wallet, etc. If you run after the predator you could end up getting hurt. A friend’s father ran after a predator and ended up in a coma … do not try to be a hero, it is not worth it.
What you should do is go to the local police station and file a report. Do this for two reasons. First, so the police finds out what is going on. Second, with the report as proof that you had something stolen, your house insurance policy may allow you to get reimbursed for some of your lost belongings.
Do not forget to contact your credit card companies, etc. Most of the major credit card companies will issue you a temporary/emergency credit card within 24 hours of being notified. Also, contact the airlines if your airline ticket was stolen to find out what can be done. And if your passport or travel visa was stolen, contact the local embassy or consulate.
Train Travel/Watch your Drinks
Finally, there are some special instances where you should be more vigilant in being aware of your surroundings. We do not know if this remains true, but in the past when taking a long/overnight train trip, there have been stories of being drugged by a fellow passenger, being robbed while one was asleep, etc. If you can afford a higher class ticket, buy one. But even in first class, be aware of your surroundings!
Regardless of train travel, there are drugs that can be easily slipped into your drink. Watch your drink – make sure nothing goes into the drink that should not be there.
Remember to have fun on your trip. Be aware, try to minimize any risk of something bad happening – but do not let this talk of safety prevent you from traveling. Traveling can be enjoyable and a ton of fun – just be careful, wherever you are!
What to keep in your wallet/purse
Only what is essential while traveling – that library card, your social security card (or social insurance number), the local store’s credit card, etc. does not need to travel with you. Also, try to keep your credit cards, passports, other identification separated. That way if one thing gets stolen, you will not be without another source of identification and/or funds. Only carry as much cash as you need for the day. If you have taken out money to cover several days, store the money you do not need immediately.
Protecting valuables
If you are traveling and are in between hotels/destinations – invest in an undergarment holder – some go around your neck, some go around your waist. Put the stuff you do not want to disappear into it.
If you are in a particular destination – see if your hotel has a safe where you can store your valuables. The hotel staff usually is quite helpful in providing a safe place for you to keep these things.
Common ways to get pick-pocketed or to have something stolen
While sitting at a restaurant you sling your purse behind you on your chair – or you put the purse besides you on the ground
While talking on a pay phone you put your purse or briefcase down on the ground
While reading a book in a public area you put your things down in the chair besides you or on the ground
You board a crowded subway, bus, etc. and as you are getting on, someone is picking your pocket, backpack, purse and then jumping off – so when you get on the bus/subway, etc. move as quickly as possible to the middle of the car (away from doors)
As you go through a turn stile, the person behind you is picking your pocket, etc.
You are driving through a crowded city with the windows rolled down and your purse, backpack, briefcase is on the seat beside an open window or unlocked door
You walk down the street with a backpack on, or your purse hanging behind you or your wallet in your back pocket
In a city with mopeds you are walking down the street with your purse, etc. on the side of your body that is closest to the road – a person on a moped grabs the purse, etc. and then zooms away
In a crowded location, there are swarms of little kids who come up to you and grab anything you have in your pockets, fanny pack (even if it is in front of you)
Be Aware
Use your common sense – if something does not feel right, act on your instinct. A few examples – Snail was traveling with her dad and was in line to purchase some subway tokens after a long train trip. She noticed a young fellow jump the line in front of her and buy some tokens – on the platforms this young fellow and a friend were hanging close to Snail and her dad – so Snail moved down the platform. But the two blokes followed – when the subway came, Snail immediately moved to the center of the car and called out to her dad to do the same thing – by this point it was too late, her dad had been pick-pocketed and the blokes were able to jump off the train before the doors closed. In retrospect, although she was trying to save some money, Snail should have sensed that something was not right and then taken a taxi instead of the subway.
On another trip, Snail and her friend were traveling by bus to a restaurant. Initially the bus was empty. Snail noticed some odd looking men jumped onto the bus at the last minute (using the rear doors). Snail and her friend were situated in a good spot (although standing) near the door. Snail suggested they move and her friend resisted initially. After moving, nothing happened. On their return trip, when they got off, Snail and her friend noticed the two men hanging out by the bus stop – Snail’s friend admitted that these men were probably crooks and was thankful they moved away from the bus door.
If you are walking down a street and it is quiet you should try to get off the quiet street and onto a busy street. If you see a stranger walking near you, cross the street – make it difficult for the stranger to do anything that would be bad. On another trip, Snail and a friend were walking to the subway from a restaurant and felt as though some men were following them. They crossed the street, got onto a busy street. When they got closer to the subway station they noticed the men still looked as though they were following them but the men were on the opposite side of the street. Not wanting anything to happen, Snail and her friend wisely decided it would be better to take a taxi back to their hotel.
What do you do if something happens
The moment something happens your instinct will be to run after the predator. DO NOT DO EVER ATTEMPT TO GO AFTER THE PREDATOR!!! – accept that what has happened has happened and be thankful that the only thing the predator got was your purse, wallet, etc. If you run after the predator you could end up getting hurt. A friend’s father ran after a predator and ended up in a coma … do not try to be a hero, it is not worth it.
What you should do is go to the local police station and file a report. Do this for two reasons. First, so the police finds out what is going on. Second, with the report as proof that you had something stolen, your house insurance policy may allow you to get reimbursed for some of your lost belongings.
Do not forget to contact your credit card companies, etc. Most of the major credit card companies will issue you a temporary/emergency credit card within 24 hours of being notified. Also, contact the airlines if your airline ticket was stolen to find out what can be done. And if your passport or travel visa was stolen, contact the local embassy or consulate.
Train Travel/Watch your Drinks
Finally, there are some special instances where you should be more vigilant in being aware of your surroundings. We do not know if this remains true, but in the past when taking a long/overnight train trip, there have been stories of being drugged by a fellow passenger, being robbed while one was asleep, etc. If you can afford a higher class ticket, buy one. But even in first class, be aware of your surroundings!
Regardless of train travel, there are drugs that can be easily slipped into your drink. Watch your drink – make sure nothing goes into the drink that should not be there.
Remember to have fun on your trip. Be aware, try to minimize any risk of something bad happening – but do not let this talk of safety prevent you from traveling. Traveling can be enjoyable and a ton of fun – just be careful, wherever you are!
posted by A & K | 11:03 AM
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