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 Crowds of People by LoriPoriLeave a Comment
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You hear about pickpockets in most towns and cities the world over. I am always extra careful I carry my bag over my head/arm/shoulder. I dont have my bag hanging by my side but directly in front of my body.
A colleague of my husbands visited Prague last week, he had been looking at my Prague page and he and his wife and friends were really looking forward to their visit. However, on his return he told my husband that when they were waiting for the metro and looking at a map someone approached and asked could they help. They said they were fine and got on the metro where they were surrounded by this man along with some others who pushed right up to them in an intimidating way. Afterwards he found his wallet with cash and credit cards had gone from his pocket.
What sad times we live in. Leave a Comment
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 by r13
"Solo artists" can steal your wallet or choose goods from wide offer you have in your backpack. There was shot from the surveillance camera on the news: Young couple was sitting and kissing, behind them was guy going trough the pockets of the backpack. He without a hurry checked all pockets before found what he wanted and people where passing by all the time! Young couple did not notice anything - the police had to tell them after arresting the thief.
There is common technique for "team of 3". First team member stands in front of you "to get into tram", the second - behind you. When tram opens the door first member takes step or two and suddenly stops asking people inside "does this tram go to XYZ?". You bump into him, person behind you bumps into you and steals your money the same moment - you not likely to notice anything. Your wallet is directly transfered to third member of the gang who walks away immediately - even if you notice anything, person behind you does not have anything!
There is "family business" - mainly gypsy groups. Big group of adults and children enters the tram. Suddenly you can't move even that tram is half empty in the front. They start "family quarrel" - maybe "husband beating wife" scene or a child will openly touch something belonging to you and "terrified mother" will discipline the child and apologize to you with great exaggeration. This all is meant to distract you while other members of the gang rob you. Even if you didn't have much money, you will lose your expensive camera with pictures in it, your passport and cards, so instead of visiting Castle you will go to embassy for temporary document to be able leave the country.
Put all valuables deep in such way that you really feel when somebody is trying to take them. Be aware, that even if you notice and start shouting it may not help you much as even tram drivers are afraid of these gangs. Gang will be away before police arrives.
Stand in tram/bus in such manner that nobody is behind you. Be careful when somebody "without a reason" gets overly friendly and starts intense chat with you or tries to "help" by touching you.
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I would like to warn people that pick pocketers are also prevalent in RESTAURANTS.
After only being in Prague for 15 minutes my husband's wallet was stolen containing several credit cards & a mix of currencies totalling over £200. We heeded warnings and his wallet was in a zipped inside pocket of his jacket. However when we went into the restaurant, where we thought we could relax as it looked quite respectable, he took off his jacket and placed it over the back of his chair. When he went to pay the bill the zip was open and the wallet had gone.
The restaurant was empty apart from 4 other people over the far side. The only person to come anywhere near us was the waiter, so we are 99.9% sure it could have only been him, as it was definitely in my husband's pocket seconds before entering the restaurant.
The restaurant was U Zlatych Andelu, or GOLDEN ANGEL, on Celetna, under some arches. To add insult to injury the waiter also almost doubled the cost of the bill but we were so worried about the wallet we did not realise until later in the day. AVOID THIS RESTAURANT AT ALL COSTS!
We then spent over two hours at the Police Station, which was FULL of other people who had been pick pocketed in RESTAURANTS, having left their jackets over chairs, with wallets, cameras, etc. in zipped inside pockets. One of these was McDONALDS. Unfortunately I can't remember the others.
We contacted the credit card companies immediately and they told us that attempts had been made to obtain cash on our cards WHILE WE WERE STILL EATING!
Not a very good start to our holiday but we did enjoy Prague itself, even though we couldn't trust anyone for the rest of the stay. Leave a Comment Other Contact: julie_brady@yahoo.com
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Prague isnt a dangerous city by any means, just act with caution as you would in any big city.
Keep your valuables close to you or locked away.
Ive not experienced this myself (thank goodness) but I did hear from a few people that pickpockets are very active in crowded areas, such as public transport, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Leave a Comment
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I would advise anyone going to Prague and reading through these comments to take them to heart, but do not let them cloud your experience. Pickpockets are a real threat, and while I had no personal troubles, there is ample opportunity to be distracted in a city this beautiful, and plenty of opportunities where these crafty individuals can do their thing.
Common sense is key, especially on the trolleys. They can get really crowded and uncomfortable, but if you just mind your belongings, you should be ok.
Enjoy that city! And if you are going and need a companion, let me know!!!! (Just joking--sort of.) Leave a Comment
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you gotta play it smart here. trams metros busses are prime spot for pickpockets. dont let people crowd around you and push you. i've seen a group crowd around an elderly woman and she fought back - as well as get help from others on the tram. it's not excessive, but dont carry you wallet in your back pocket. dont leave your purse unzipped. dont have your valuables in your backpack easily accessible especially if you wear it on your back at all times.
simply be smart and safe.
also - i know in america it's very common to leave your purse on the back of your chair in a restaurant. do NOT do that here. your purse could easily disappear. even in nice places.
there have been a couple of times when i've warned people and they didn't listen and guess what happened. yup. they got ripped off.
be smart. be careful. but dont be paranoid :-) Leave a Comment
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While on the tram, watch your stuff closely! I had TWO epxeriences within a 8 hour period on the tram!
The first I was with some friends and I warned them about the tram and to watch their things- they didn't do well enough. Within a 2 minute period, my friend had her wallet and sony mavica (big digital camera) stolen right off of her! They are quick and good at what they do.
I also had a man get on the tram with me and he was standing as close as he could to me. He kept looking at my bags. He kept trying to get his hand behind me so he could get in my bag. I actually said to him, "you need to get away from me"- He was very gutsy and wouldn't stop trying, even when he knew I knew! He was doing hand signals to another guy on the same tram, and it was uncomfortable and dangerous.
He didn't pick me, but please, please, please be careful. Leave a Comment
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If arriving from any of the main train station, beware of groups of 3/4 pickpockets operating in the train station.
I haven't experienced it personally but I was told by a local czech lady while arrving at Prague. They are highly organised and skillful, especially aiming at lone backpacker.
Their usual trick is to get you fully surrounded, with one man blocking in front of you, 2 by your side and the last man operating from behind. Leave a Comment
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 by wrldtravlrLeave a Comment
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