Watch out! Pickpockets on the move again
Despite the current corona situation and although people are making a special effort to keep their distance, it happens again and again - pickpockets steal wallets and smartphones or other valuables.
This year too, the city centres and other public places are busy in the run-up to Christmas. People are shopping for presents or longing for a change from their daily routine with a long walk outside. They've only been inattentive for a brief moment, been bumped into and then come home to a rude awakening - their wallet or smartphone is gone. But public transport also offers thieves an opportunity to strike.
Pickpockets often work in a division of labor - one perpetrator distracts the victim by jostling them or engaging them in conversation and another grabs the valuables that the victim is not looking at. There is no "typical" image of a perpetrator, which they use to their advantage. Always remain alert and maintain a healthy skepticism towards strangers who approach or speak to you.
We give you valuable tips on how to behave so that your valuables are safe and you don't just survive the pre-Christmas period without any nasty surprises for your wallet.
- Don't take large amounts of cash with you if it's not necessary
- Always carry handbags and shoulder bags closed and in front of the body
- Do not leave your wallet or smartphone in outside pockets or unattended (e.g. in a shopping cart). Instead, keep valuables in inner pockets close to your body
- Never keep the PIN of your debit cards in your wallet
- Keep your distance and specifically address suspicious persons and ask them to keep their distance
- Be skeptical when trying to exchange money and keep an eye on your wallet
Should you nevertheless fall victim to pickpockets - keep calm and take one step at a time. If necessary, draw the attention of passers-by and ask for help. Inform the police and, if necessary, block your credit card by calling the nationwide blocking number 116 116. The police officers on site will help you with everything else and explain the next steps on the spot.
Get through the pre-Christmas period safely!
You can find the contact details of our victim support team in the contacts section.
You can find more information on this topic here: https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/diebstahl/taschendiebstahl/