Jul 02 - Crime Awareness Week: Pick-Pockets

Written on 02 July 2015.

Protect yourself from Pick-Pockets

Despite the busy and often crowded nature of Gibraltar’s town centre and leisure areas, instances of “mugging” and pick pocketing remain relatively low. Knowing how the criminals who commit these crimes operate will help you avoid becoming a victim to these types of crime. The summer months are known to attract this type of criminal activity due to the increase in holiday-makers, day-visitors, etc. Similarly, any of us could find ourselves becoming a victim whilst visiting popular tourist destinations overseas or during cross-border shopping trips.

Be “aware” and keep your possessions safe:
Never leave your bags or other valuables unattended in public.
Be discreet with your belongings; displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices, like mobile phones or cameras, could attract unwanted attention.
Don’t leave your phone on tables in bars or restaurants.
If you use a wheelchair, motorised scooter, or you are pushing a pram, keep bags containing valuables in front of you.
Be discreet with your belongings; displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices, like mobile phones or cameras, could attract unwanted attention. Pickpockets work in busy or crowded locations where they can be in close proximity to people without being noticed. Pickpockets often operate in pairs or in groups and use distraction techniques to avert your attention while they steal from you.
Carry your bag close to you and so that it opens facing you, not away from you. If you carry your bag over your shoulder, or on your back, you could be more of a target.
Make sure your wallet or purse is not visible

We would like to take this opportunity to request the general public that any person seen acting suspiciously in any bus-stop or any shopping/leisure area, area is reported to the RGP Command & Dispatch Unit on 20072500, or in the event of an Emergency, by dialling 199/112.

Look after one another and work in partnership with us to beat crime. Be a vigilant neighbour and report anything suspicious in your neighbourhood. All calls are dealt with in the strictest confidence.The following information will be particularly useful to police when reporting on a suspicious individual(s).

· Gender (Male/Female)

· Height

· Complexion (e.g. Tanned, Fresh, etc)

· Build (e.g. Slim, Strong or Medium)

· Age (Approximate)

· Hair (e.g. Long/Short and Colour)

· Clothing (basic – Type/Colour of top and bottoms)