You do have professionals operate, but there's no evidence they've targeted the city for Mardi Gras. Lopinto's Bourbon Street Promenade Unit patrols every day, although they may be hard to spot. For some, safety is second nature.
Experts recommend that revelers try to blend in instead of being flashy.
Professional thieves will spot you if you bring too much to the party, Royal Sonesta Hotel security officer Randy Ferrell said. Lock them up in the hotel safe or the room safe. Pickpocketing is a serious crime in New Orleans, and those arrested will be charged with a felony, police said. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.