Overcrowded places like the Alex, the Kottbusser Tor or the Ostkreuz – there are plenty of them in Berlin. It’s loud, confusing, people are running wildly around like ants. You can quickly lose track and bang! Gone is your cell phone, wallet or car key.
But it doesn’t always have to be these busy places where you become a victim of pickpockets. Criminal director Lothar Spielmann knows that other locations are also very popular with thieves.
Berlin police officer explains
The Berlin police have their hands full. However, large state visits or traffic accidents are not always to blame; it is often the small actions that keep the officials on their toes. For example, the missing wallet or the stolen watch.
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To ensure that these things don’t get lost so quickly, Berlin criminal director Lothar Spielmann has an important tip: “Pack your valuables in the inside, lockable pockets of your outer clothing. Then you make it much more difficult for pickpockets,” he explains to “rbb 24”.
These situations are dangerous
But it is also important that pickpocketing “is a craft.” Experienced sleuths often deliberately provoke situations in which people are careless, explains Spielmann. This can also be a good option away from crowded places, for example in a restaurant or café.
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“For example, there’s that famous trick where someone distracts you, shows you a map because they’re looking for something and asks for help. And when the city map is gone, the cell phone that was just on the table is missing.
But your hand can also quickly slip into your pocket when getting on or off a bus, subway, etc. Especially when there is a dense crowd. When it comes to pickpocketing, there is definitely a red alert here!
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But it can also happen quickly in supermarkets. Especially when you put your handbag or shopping bag in the shopping cart unattended. “It’s put somewhere, then you stand in front of the shelf, look at the 300 yoghurts and at that moment the pickpocket can easily grab it – and unfortunately you don’t notice.”
It is therefore important to always keep an eye on your valuables and to always ask strangers who ask for help whether they might be standing a little too close to you. “If I can answer ‘no’ to that question, then I’ll just take a step back.”
Then you would have to be on the safe side – and with one of your wallets, your cell phone and the expensive watch.
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