Pickpockets in Prague - Palladium

I was in Prague 2 weeks ago to celebrate my 50th birthday. I was aware that thieves were operating in Prague, like any other city but thought I was careful and kept my wallet zipped in an inside pocket. Whilst having lunch however at the Aberdeen Steak Bar in the Palladium shopping Centre I had my wallet removed from this pocket whilst I ate. The culprits were 2 slightly dark skinned men who sat on the next table. How do I know this you might ask.Well at the precise moment that my pocket was being picked my son in law was taking our photo and the hand can be clearly seen inside my jacket but I felt nothing. As usual both the centre management and police were indifferent, just giving me a form for my insurance. I would guess these 2 can be seen everyday pulling the same stunt so beware. I was a regular visitor to Prague but will never visit again

Post the picture here, that would be helpful.

What do you think the police in New York would do? Same. No reason to take Prague off your list!

No you're right that's not reason enough to stop going...but the strength of the local currency is, compared with US Dollar

Very true! But If you stay away from the tourist rib offs, Prague is still not that expensive.

Sorry to hear about your experience.

Unfortunately, you do have to keep reminding yourself to be alert...I was at Letnany shopping

center last week and was taking a break at a fast food restaurant...luckily, the manager recognized the situation and reminded me to mind my jacket.

..it appears the situation can happen anytime, anywhere.

If you stop going to places that have pickpockets, you'll have to scratch off every city in Europe.

Sad but true. Wallet in Jacket is not the way to go.

I've seen professional thieves in Rome that can literally take your watch off, cut out the bottomm of a hand bag to remove wallets and even get into front jean pockets without you feeling a thing.

Sad but true, you have to be very guarded anywhere busy. Many people talk about kids and casual pick pockets but there are some clever criminals out there:-(

Stoofer

In Madrid, a pickpocket tried to fish some cash out of the front pocket of my jeans on the subway from the airport. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I did feel it. Quite a shock.

This topic is world wide, nobody and nowhere will ever be "safe" the criminal is a criminal 24/7. Take all the advised precautions and insurances. Above all, keep on going, if you give in to these criminals and stay away from holiday spots, who loses out......... YOU!

It's not nice, i don't want it to happen to me but if it does, have a drink, fill out the claim forms and get back on your feet and keep on going. Publish the photo of these guys, someone might just notice them and get them caught.

Travel safe and always, always, keep smiling.

Ginger !

Im sorry about your bad experience. Unfortunately Prague, as many other tourist places in Europe, is plagued by pickpockets.

Fortunately, in a way, is just that, they are a nuisance and not a danger. Once I saw an old lady pushing a couple of them and they went to the back of the tram carriage with their tails between their legs.

The trick is to be careful with your stuff. You were doing well until the part when you left your jacket unantended enough for a professional pickpocket to fish your wallet out of it.

As with every other place where people concentrate in big numbers, shopping centres are favourites of pickpockets. They give a false sense of security, but the truth is that security cammeras and guards are to stop shoplifters and they couldnt care any less about pickpockets.

MAX

http://pivni-filosof.blogspot.com/