Place your wallet in your front pockets, rather than rear or inside jacket pockets to protect it. If wearing a jacket with a pocket zipper, keep the zipper closed. Avoid carrying your wallet in your purse if possible and never pat a pocket or a purse to make sure your wallet is still there.
Keep the zipper of your purse closed at all times or purchase a purse that's difficult to open to protect your valuables. Carry your purse and bags close to your body, especially if you're walking fast and your purse is trailing behind you.
Avoid carrying large sums of money in your wallet. Carry only what you need. Consider only putting what you need for the day in your wallet. If you need to carry more cash or a few credit cards, separate them from your wallet and put them in a zipped front pocket.
Carry your purse over your shoulder or beneath your arm at all times. Never leave your valuables unattended. Don't leave your purse in a shopping cart, shopping counter or put it in a shopping bag.
Maintain your distance from people to avoid them from bumping into you and stealing your wallet. When in crowds, avoid talking on your cell phone or listening to your MP3 player so you're aware of everyone around you.
Try not to get drawn in by side-shows, vendors talking to you or people doing cute or funny things. It's possible these people are actually in league with pickpockets, creating distractions so your attention is someplace else when you're robbed.
Use chains attached to your wallet and pants or put a rubber band around your wallet, making it harder for a pickpocket to steal your wallet.
