Kids and Snatch Thieves

I have heard more first-hand stories of robbery by gangs of kids, often gypsies, than any other type of crime. The tactic is simple: five or six small children run up to you, shouting and waving newspapers or pieces of cardboard. As they swarm around and distract you, your wallet/purse and the contents of your fanny/daypack are swiped, and off they run in three different directions. Elapsed time: six seconds. I’ve seen it happen, most commonly in Italy, less so in France.If this happens to you, don’t just stand there. Move away from the brats, yell at them to get away, and don’t be shy about letting loose some slaps or shoves at any kid within range. Remember, these are not innocent tykes. They are professionally trained thieves, who will clean you out before you can blink. As with pickpockets, prevention is the best defense; a money belt inside your clothing is a million times safer than a purse or fanny pack.

Snatch thieves specialize in surprise tactics - grabbing cameras, bags, and packs from the non-alert and from those whom they have deliberately distracted. One woman I met had just gotten on a train when she felt hand cream or suntan lotion splatter on the back of her legs. When she put down her daypack and turned to wipe it off, the chief grabbed her pack and was gone in a flash. Variations on this include moped-riding purse-snatchers, camera thieves, etc.In any crowded area, such as on public transportation, carry your daypack in front of you.

Should you be shoved, distracted, splattered, whatever, grab hold of whatever you have.

Wear cameras and shoulder bags across your body rather than over a shoulder, and on the side away from the street. Don’t carry a purse. If you must, and you really shouldn’t, don’t carry anything important in it. If someone grabs it and starts pulling, scream your lungs out. If the person continues to pull, let go. Don’t get into a tug-of-war with someone who is probably angry, frightened, and excited. This is especially the case if the thief is on a moped, motorcycle, or in a car, in which case you should let go immediately. Don’t risk a serious injury for the contents of a purse or shoulder bag. Anything in one should be easily replaceable, or it shouldn’t be in there at all.