subject: How To Avoid Pickpockets At Airports [print this page] Pickpockets are a big problem at many international airports. Despite how many police are around the area, and despite the huge number of CCTV cameras that airport authorities are installing, it remains a problem.
Most important is that you do not leave any of your luggage or personal belongings out of the sight. Airports may seem like safe places, but with so many people rushing around, it can be an ideal place that pick pockets can pick on the most vulnerable people. If you take public transport to the airport then you need to be especially careful. A pick pocket's favorite places for stealing your possessions is major transportation hubs. While carrying suitcases and travelling to the airport you'll look like a particularly easy victim for a thief to target. Avoid saying that you're taking flights from Chicago to Calgary in order to maintain a low profile.
Also be sure to keep your wallet on the inside pocket of your jacket or better yet keep your money safely stored within the confines of a money belt. These belts keep your money safe from pick pockets. Never put your money in a backpack that can be easily accessed.
While checking in, be wary of pick pockets who barge into you. This is a main strategy they use. They are very apologetic, but they may have used the opportunity to take something from your pocket while you weren't looking. It's especially worse at an airport because you really need your passport, credit card, and possessions. It's not so easy to have such things sent to your destination in another country.
