Summarize:

People who are visibly distracted by their cell phones become easy targets for pickpockets and other criminals. Keep an eye on what is going on around you at all times so that you can better detect suspicious activity and protect yourself and your belongings. Glance behind you every once in a while to make sure that you are not being followed by a stranger. Your best chance of defending yourself in the event of an attack is to identify the attacker as soon as possible. You should also avoid reading maps and fumbling through your purse or backpack while walking down the street, as these things consume all of your attention and make you more vulnerable to attacks. If you are traveling in an unknown city, try to get directions to your destination prior to leaving the hotel or hostel you are staying at. Keep valuable possessions, like wallets, smart phones, and cameras out of sight to avoid attracting pickpockets. Store these items safely in your purse or backpack and only take them out when you need them. It may be tempting to have your smartphone out at all times to text, play games, or look up directions, but keep in mind that smartphone theft is on the rise for this very reason. If you use public transportation during your daily commute, you may want to consider bringing a book or magazine to entertain yourself. Tourists are oftentimes targeted by pickpockets because they tend to carry lots of cash on them and are usually unfamiliar with their surroundings. Avoid dressing too flashy, and if applicable, adopt the local style of dress so that you can blend in with the locals. Avoid walking around busy streets while reading a map, as this will draw attention to the fact that you are a tourist and suggest to others that you don't know where you're going. If you are using a map to navigate your way around a new city, find a private place that's indoors, like a cafe or convenience store, to find your way rather than doing it out on the street where everyone can see you. Drugs and alcohol can impair your judgment and your ability to defend yourself physically in the event that you are attacked. If you do drink, remember to never leave your beverage unattended, and don't accept drinks from strangers. Some date rapists use tasteless, colorless chemicals to lace their victims' drinks without them knowing. If a stranger offers to buy you a drink, don't accept it unless you watch the bartender make it yourself. Criminals are less likely to attack people in groups as there is strength in numbers. Walking around town alone, especially at night, makes you an easy target for criminals, because there is nobody there to help defend you or to serve as a witness. Protect yourself by asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your destination at night; if this is not an option, then consider taking a cab instead. Criminals tend to lurk in dark, deserted streets where there is less law enforcement and fewer potential witnesses. If you are walking down the sidewalk at night, stay as close to the street as possible as criminals may be waiting in alleys for a chance to attack passersby. It is much easier for a pickpocket or rapist to attack a person on foot as opposed to a bicycle. If possible, ride a bike to your destination instead of walking, especially if you are traveling by yourself.
Be fully aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings secure. Try not to look like a tourist. Stay sober. Travel in groups. Stay in well-lit, densely populated parts of town. Ride a bike.