Illinois Suburban Police Issue Warning About Pickpocket Thefts

When you look up global hot-spots for pickpocketing, Bangkok, Thailand is frequently cited as being the world's number-one place, followed closely by Italy, France, and Spain. That's not to say you won't get your pocket picked right here in the USA, as a suburban Illinois city can attest.

To me, pickpocketing sounds like something out of a movie set in 19th-century London, but it really is very much still a thing, and lately, it’s close to home.

The Evanston Police Department recently put out a warning about an uptick in pickpocket-style thefts around the city. These aren’t smash-and-grab crimes or confrontations. Instead, they’re quick, quiet, and often over before the victim even realizes anything’s wrong.

Wallets and purses are being lifted in everyday places like grocery stores, restaurants, and on public transit. In some cases, stolen credit cards are already being used by the time people notice they’re missing.

The Key For A Successful Pickpocket Is To Make Sure That You, The Victim, Are Distracted

Pickpocketing works because it relies on distraction. Thieves look for moments when people are focused on something else like a phone call, a conversation, juggling groceries, or just navigating a crowded space. A bump here, a brief chat there, and suddenly a wallet or phone is gone.

Sometimes it’s one person working alone. Other times, it’s a team, with one person creating the distraction while another does the actual stealing.

What makes this kind of theft especially frustrating is that it doesn’t feel like a “crime scene.” There’s no broken window, and no dramatic moment. Just that sinking feeling when you reach for your wallet or phone and realize it’s not there.

Here's How To Help Keep It From Happening To You, And What To Do If You're The Victim Of A Pickpocket

The good news is that a little awareness goes a long way. Police recommend keeping valuables secured and in front of you, especially in busy areas. Front pockets, cross-body bags with zippers, and keeping a hand on your purse or bag can make you a much harder target. It also helps to limit what you carry. Having fewer cards and less cash on you means less damage if you get pickpocketed.

And if the worst does happen, act quickly. Call your bank, cancel compromised cards, and report the theft to police as soon as possible.

Pickpocketing may be an old crime, but it’s still around. Staying alert doesn’t mean being paranoid, it just means paying attention and keeping your stuff where it belongs.

But, if paranoia helps, go with it.