Chicago Police Say To Be Wary Of Pickpockets Among Holiday Crowds
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Pickpockets tend to make an increased appearance among holiday crowds.
Big crowds are an easy way for thieves to snatch a wallet from a back pocket or a purse someone is holding off to the side.
Nancy Lipman with the Chicago Police Department says the most important thing to keep you from getting robbed is to stay alert.
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"Use your front pockets for cash and wallets because those pockets are directly in you line of sight," she said. "Use inside pockets of coats and jackets for things like phones and tablets."
Pickpockets often works in teams and use someone to cause a distraction, a second person to snatch the goods, and a third person who take the stolen items and run off.
They can also work alone, and tend to dress to fit in with the crowd by wearing casual to nicer clothes in order to blend in.
Police say it's important to report an incident as soon as it happens.
Other tips for the holiday season include:
No visible valuables inside the car. Put your shopping bags, electronics, purse, wallet and other things in the trunk where no one can see it.
Be aware of scam artists who may pretend to be someone from a utility company. If you do not have a scheduled appointment, do not open the door until you have verified with the utility company that the person is indeed who they claim to be.
Keep an eye on receipts and do not carry anything outside with your social security number on it.
