September 29, 2024, 4:59 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Nobody likes to be robbed. But in an unfamiliar place, it can always happen that money, credit cards, and IDs are suddenly gone. You have to be especially careful on the train. What tricks do pickpockets often use?
The number of bag and luggage thefts on trains and in stations is increasing. Travelers should, therefore, be aware of the tricks thieves use. The State and Federal Police Crime Prevention Unit presents typical scams used by criminals:
The dirty tricks of thieves on the train
The jostling trick
One or more thieves surround and harass the victim. When getting on or off the train, a person in front suddenly stumbles, and the victim runs up. Thieves take advantage of this distraction.
The city map trick
A stranger requests directions, asking you to describe the route on a city map or on a route map at the station. Thieves take advantage of the distraction and make a grab.
The money exchange trick
Here, too, thieves exploit the willingness to help. If the victim opens their wallet to change money for the thief, the thief quickly grabs the bills and takes off.
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The begging trick
Several children surround the victim and beg – one child takes advantage of the situation and steals the wallet unnoticed.
It is also important to carry cash, cards, and papers as close to the body as possible, preferably in several inside pockets. The closed side of handbags should be worn towards the body. If a thief does manage to get away, it is important to block cash cards by calling 116 116 and using the KUNO police reporting system.
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The original of this article was published in 2016.