Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse under your arm. Keep a wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not a back trouser pocket. Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated. They should never go into a parking lot alone.
Pickpockets take advantage of crowds in stores, on the street and on public transportation.
Many work in teams with one distracting the victim while the other does the crime. Beware of anyone who jostles you. It may be accidental but, then again, it may not. For women who carry purses, one that has a flap which folds over the opening and fastens at the bottom is preferable to one that can be opened simply by turning a clasp at the top. Men who carry wallets or a money clip should keep them in inner or side pockets rather than rear trouser pockets.