“Pas på lommertyver.”

When you take the public transport here in Copenhagen, you must be very familiar of that line.

Translated, it means, “Beware of pickpockets”!

Pickpockets in Copenhagen. Yup, there are thieves in Copenhagen, just like there is in any other cities around the world! Unfortunately though,  the number of pick-pocketing cases have risen the past years. As a matter of fact, organized group thieves are already working here in the city.

So, what can you do to avoid losing your valuables? Let me give you these tips.

Oh wait, you might be thinking, who is this woman? How dare she give me an advice on how to avoid pickpockets? Well, for one, I was born and raised in the Philippines and have lived in Manila for a long time. If you don’t get the point, let me be more clear. If you walk on the streets of Manila looking all rich and fancy, you’ll go home a pauper. No wallet, no phone, no nothing. Nada! I am not proud to say this but I lost my iPhone two times in a row in Manila and my wallet was taken out of my very own hands right in front of our condominium gates. So, it is safe for me to say, I learned my lessons. And I became more vigilant everywhere I go.

Back to the tips.

1. Make sure your bag is properly closed. Don’t ever think that since you are in Copenhagen you can just go around the city with a widely open bag! Copenhagen Isn’t as safe as it used to be so better zip that bag properly or risk losing your valuables.
2. When biking, make sure to tie your bag to the bike handle. Biking is very popular in this country. People bike going to the office or to school. Of course bikes are better when they have baskets, but do remember though to tie your bag on the handle so that it’ll not be snatched while you are biking. Yes, it happens. Bags do get snatched here, so be warned. Or buy one of those luggage ties to make sure your bag is safe.
3. Don’t just leave your bag anywhere. Make sure you are holding your bag all the time or keeping it close. If you are in a public place never ever keep it out of your site. 
4. When wearing a sling bag, put the bag in front of you. I mean, need I say more? The greatest opportunities for thieves is when you bag is behind you. You sure don’t have an eye on the back of your head so you will never see if they are already working their magic.
5. When wearing a backpack, use a small padlock. 
6. Don’t put your wallet or phone on your back pocket. If you do, make sure to have a chain. Regardless whether your wallet is as thick as this or not, be ready to say goodbye to your wallet once you put it in the back pocket.

For group of organized thieves:

1. If they are locking you in the middle, break free. I do not care if you have to push them (lightly), break free. Do not let them corner you. Just say ‘unskyld’ after. 🙂 ❤
   
2. Call 114. If you really feel threatened, put your phone into good use before they actually try to steal it.
3. Scream! I actually did this before. A group of girls were trying to corner me and felt so unsafe. So I screamed at the other girl who didn’t look so tough and they all ran off. I don’t care if your mom told you not to curse, but this is your time to say words your mom will not be proud of!

Truth is, some of these tips might help (or not). But what I am very certain with one thing that will work, VIGILANCE. Your valuables are your responsibility. If you do not want them stolen, make sure you are taking precautions to avoid it.

If, this will not work for you, nothing ever will. Time to take that insurance for all of your items.

PS

If you are really paranoid already, try getting yourself one of those anti- theft bag. I’m sure they are a big help, not unless of course you forget them on the train. ❤ 🙂