Personal security
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Keep valuables in front pockets or zippered breast pockets rather than back pockets.
Back pockets make it easier for items to be pickpocketed or fall out, especially if the wallet is large.
- Front pockets may not be safe in super crowded places unless wearing skinny jeans.
4 people, independently
Limit the time a decoy package sits on the porch to one day.
Leaving it for 3-5 days signals that you are on vacation and invites robbery.
one person who lived it
Write your address on valuables using an invisible ink pen.
To prove ownership if the item is stolen.
- Thieves may sanitize or wash stolen items to remove such markings.
one person who lived it
In tourist areas, do not stop if people try to attract your attention; keep walking.
Once you stop, you are playing their game, like a hook being set to reel you in.
one person who lived it
When a sign warns about pickpockets, avoid patting down your pockets right away.
Searching your bags reveals the location of your valuables to potential thieves.
4 people, independently
Install outdoor motion-sensor lights around the house as a deterrent.
They are a better deterrent than interior lights.
- They are more costly.
one person who lived it
Ship your luggage in regular boxes via courier instead of checking it at the airport.
It is simply less hassle.
one person who lived it
If your wallet is stolen and you know the location, check nearby trash bins or dumpsters for discarded non-cash items.
Thieves often discard non-cash goods there.
one person who lived it
When traveling abroad, wear clothing that helps you blend in and avoid t-shirts with English text to reduce attention.
Wearing loud or foreign-language clothing can make you a target.
one person who lived it
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Double-bag your lunch and double-knot each bag to deter coworkers from stealing it.
One person reported that theft stopped immediately after doing this.
one person who lived it
Avoid pointing at things while traveling.
Pointing is a sure sign that you are a tourist.
one person who lived it
Open the rear passenger window instead of the driver's side when speaking to someone outside your car.
It makes it harder for them to attack you and prevents them from grabbing, punching, kicking, or stabbing you through the glass.
one person who lived it
Color in clothing tags with a permanent marker to prove ownership if items are stolen by housemates.
It allows you to identify your items by the unique tag color.
- Confront the person if they start stealing.
one person who lived it
Make high-value electronics look damaged or unappealing with paint or stickers to discourage thieves.
Thieves may overlook items that look like trash.
one person who lived it
Be aware that pickpockets can be anyone, including women, not just men who look shady.
one person who lived it
Do not wear expensive jewelry, earrings, necklaces, or flashy watches in developing countries.
Thieves are more likely to target someone wearing something shiny or flashy rather than something plain.
one person who lived it
Avoid stereotyping people to stay aware of real threats.
Stereotyping reduces awareness of actual dangers.
one person who lived it