How to Prevent Yourself from Getting Pickpocketed in New York City

As a resident of New York City, I often travel and visit Times Square, one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. It is mind bogglnig to me how many tourists I see while walking around Times Square who look like prime victims to be pick pocketed. It occurred to me that most people don't even know how to protect themselves from pick pocketers. New York City is statistically the safest big city in America. This past year marked the lowest number of murders ever with fewer than 500. However, pick pocketing is still a problem for tourists. Here are tips on how to safeguard your possessions and to make sure you don't get pick pocketed.

1. Don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk to stare at the sights and attractions. You won't believe how many people I see who stop in the middle of the sidewalk to video tape or take pictures the giant billboards, lights and buildings in Times Square. I understand that you want to take pictures nad record your amazing trip but stopping in the middle of a high traffic sidewalk in Times Square is not the best way of doing this. Since so many people walk on the sidewalks in Times Square and your eyes are being diverted towards the sky when you are taking pictures, you can't see the people walking past you and how easy it is for someone to take your purse or liftt your wallet out of your back pocket. This brings me to my next bit of advice...

2. Don't put your wallet in your back pocket. Many guys like to put thier wallet in their back pockets but don't do this when you visit Times Square. Someone walking behind you will lift your wallet right out of your pants pocket without you ever seeing or feeling it happen. Keep your wallet in your front pants pocket or the inside jacket pocket of your suite jacket. Also, if you keep your wallet in your front pants pocket, don't wear loose baggy pants which make it easier for you to get pickpocketed.

3. Purse carriers: A great tip for women is to bring or buy a purse that zippers close. By zippering your purse, no one can pick pocket anything out of your purse without you hearing or noticing it. If you can't close your purse, then it makes it easy to snatch things out by pickpocketeres.

4. Take pictures in an enclosed area: If you want to take picture and videotape the Times Square area, do if from a restaurant or with your back against a wall on the side of a street, not in the middle of the side walk. Also, have your family or friends stand next to you when you take the pictures so that they can make sure you don't get picpocketed. While your eyes are being diverted to the sky taking pictures, your family and friends can be your eyes watching your belongings. Another idea is to take the pictures while standing near a police officer. In Times Square there are close to a hundred police officers stationed in the area to make it safe. By standing next to a police officer, it is unlikely that someone will try to pickpocket you.