How to Protect Your Belongings in Public

Pickpockets and thieves can be clever, but you can take steps that make yourself a less attractive target. Whether you’re grocery shopping in your hometown or exploring another city on vacation, these pickpocket prevention tips can help keep you from becoming a victim.

Insurance can help you protect your valuables, including your home, car and possessions. To make sure you have the coverage you need, talk to Farm Bureau.

Keep Your Bags Closed

If you carry a purse, handbag or backpack, make sure it’s latched or zipped. That’s one of the top tips for how to avoid pickpockets. Don’t make it easy for someone to reach in and grab your wallet or phone. 

When you use a tote bag, only keep low-value things in it. For example, pack your towel, sunscreen and book in it if you’re going to the beach, and use a more secure bag for anything that’s valuable.

Watch Your Stuff

It can be easy to get distracted and turn your back on your luggage. It can happen when you’re signing a rental car agreement, grabbing something to eat before you check in at a hotel or getting your child out of their car seat. Keep your bags within sight, since it only takes someone a second to grab them.

Track Your Suitcases

A GPS tracker can show you where your bag is. You can buy these trackers for $15 to $30 and place them inside checked luggage. Along with showing you where the luggage is, some can also show you location history and set off an alarm if you need to locate the item.

When you get off a plane, make your way to baggage claim promptly. Bags aren’t stolen that often at airports, but it’s still a good idea to lower the odds by picking yours up right away.

Wear a Money Belt or Pouch

Keep cash, credit cards and anything that would be difficult to replace under your clothing.

Make Theft More Difficult

Don’t make it easy for someone to steal your stuff:

• Wear a crossbody bag.
• When you’re in a restaurant or public place, loop the strap of your bag around the arm or leg of a chair.
• Don’t put your phone or wallet down on a tabletop, chair or any place someone could grab them easily.

Only Carry What You Need

Don’t bring more cash with you than you need for the day. Set up payment apps on your phone so you can pay with them and reduce the number of credit cards you have with you. Use the hotel safe for expensive items you’re leaving behind, like electronics or jewelry. 

Be Aware of What’s Going on Around You

When you’re in a crowd, be extra careful with your possessions. Watch for scams, like someone who falls at the top or bottom of an escalator. Be cautious any time two or more people approach you, since one could distract you while another rifles through your pockets.

What to Do if Your Bag Is Stolen

If your bag is stolen, or if someone steals your phone or wallet, you should file a report with the police. You may also want to file a claim with your airline, if it happened on their watch. 

Farm Bureau Can Help Protect Your Possessions

Don’t risk losing your valuables, whether you’re carrying them or they’re in your home or vehicle. Talk to Farm Bureau and learn about the insurance coverage that can help.