We usually do not associate pickpocketing with Snohomish
County. Traveling in Europe maybe. Rome, Paris, yes, we think of pickpockets.
But, Everett, Washington? The Everett Police Department is warning citizens
about pickpocketing in south Everett, especially in strip malls.
According to Everett PD, the crime of pickpocketing can be
difficult to investigate and find the suspect(s). A common thread to the
reported incidents are that victims were bumped into or otherwise distracted. However,
pinning down individual suspects, times and places of the thefts can be
challenging for victims and police.
Bumping into a victim is a common method for pickpockets who
often work in pairs; one to do the bumping or distracting, with an accomplice
who takes the wallet from a pocket or purse.
As with many thieves in the 21st Century, modern
pickpockets may not be so interested in your cash as they are in your credit or
debit cards.
Everett PD recommends the following to protect yourself from
pickpockets:
·
Be aware of your surroundings.
·
Use a front pocket for your wallet.
·
Carry purses and bags diagonally across the
front of your body. Keep the strap short.
·
Take only what you need. Keep extra credit/debit
cards, ID, checks, cash, etc. safely stored at home.
·
Keep your purse with you, even if you must go to
the restroom.
·
Keep zippers zipped.
·
Keep your electronics hidden.
With our growing population, there may be more opportunity for
pickpockets to extend their activities to crowded areas that have not seen pickpocketing
before.
For more about what you can do to protect yourself from
pickpocketing check out the following links:
wikiHow (with illustrations):
Rick Steves’ Europe (for tips when you travel):
KIRO TV:
Everett Police Department:
It's a beautiful place, having such an open and joyous feeling to it. It's totally amazing! This is definitely a wonderful place to spend time. It's plenty fun to sit at event locations and enjoy food and drinks with amazing conversations.
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