Easter: high season for pickpockets

For many, the Easter holidays begin the travel season - a time of relaxation, adventure and family. But it's also high season for those who are after other people's property: pickpockets. They find ideal conditions to act unnoticed, especially in crowds, at train stations or on public transport. A moment of carelessness and your valuables, wallet or smartphone are gone. The federal police are responding with educational campaigns and giving practical tips on how to protect yourself. But what makes this time so attractive for pickpockets and how can you protect yourself effectively?

The psychology of pickpocketing

Pickpockets specifically use the element of distraction. They often work in groups in which one distracts the victim while another steals the valuables unnoticed. The “window-knocking” method is particularly perfidious: While the victim is distracted by knocking on the window, an accomplice attacks. These methods show that it's not just physical proximity that matters, but also how cleverly thieves use human psychology to their advantage.

Education and prevention

To counteract this, the Federal Police launched Stop Pickpockets Cartoons showing the most common methods used by pickpockets are intended to raise awareness and educate travelers. The small, colorful monsters – representations of the thieves – symbolize the diversity and creativity with which the perpetrators operate. They show that caution is always advised and how you can protect yourself through simple means: for example, by carrying cash and payment cards in various locked inner pockets, or by being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowds.

Practical tips to protect yourself from pickpocketing

The campaign provides valuable tips on how to protect yourself from pickpocketing. This includes only taking as much cash and payment cards with you as is absolutely necessary and keeping them in locked inner pockets. In addition, the bag should always be worn with the closure side towards the body. You should pay attention to your own bag and valuables, especially in crowds.

Questions and answers about pickpocketing:

Question 1: How do pickpockets usually operate?
Answer 1: Pickpockets often work in groups, with one distracting the victim and another stealing the valuables.

Question 2: What is the goal of the “Stop Pickpockets” campaign?
Answer 2: The aim of the campaign is to educate travelers about the methods used by pickpockets and to provide practical tips for protection.

Question 3: What protective measures are recommended?
Answer 3: It is recommended to carry cash and cards in separate locked inner pockets and to be particularly alert in crowds.

Question 4: What do the colorful monsters in the cartoons symbolize?
Answer 4: They symbolize the different methods used by pickpockets and are intended to warn travelers to be careful.

Question 5: How should you carry your bag to minimize the risk of theft?
Answer 5: The bag should always be worn with the closure side towards the body.

Conclusion

Pickpocketing is a risk that should not be underestimated, especially during travel times. However, through education and simple precautions, the risk can be minimized. The Federal Police’s “Stop Pickpockets” campaign makes an important contribution to prevention and raising awareness among the population. However, it is also up to each individual to protect themselves and their valuables through careful behavior and compliance with the recommended protective measures.

For more information and practical tips, we recommend downloading the campaign's free social media pack and subscribing https://www.mimikama.org/mimikama-newsletter/ Those interested can also take part in online lectures and workshops at https://www.mimikama.education/online-vortrag-von-mimikama/ .

Source: police advice