Pests I've been hearing many stories of an increase in pickpocketing and general thieving here. Not surprising, it's always tourist season for a start, and there's been an economic downturn which makes the miscreants all the more active. Here are a few tips to protect your valuables. I.e. anywhere where there are lots of people who don't know their way around very well and are thus easily recognisable as visitors.
Pickpockets are clever.
This means you must keep your valuables away from those greedy fingers. The rules are slightly different for men and women but some are applicable to both sexes. Pickpockets and thieves can slice the belt at the back and make off with the goodies before you know it. Therefore always keep your hand on the bag if you can, or touch it reassuringly as often as possible. If you use a hand-held bag to carry things in, wrap the strap several times round your fingers.