To the pickpocket, you are a walking, living ATM machine . Always remember that they work in groups or pairs and they have a daily "sales" target or quota to meet, more so when controlled by a syndicate where they will be beaten if they don't.
The general perception is that they are gypsies, but they also could be that harmless old Robert Deniroish looking grandpa in sunglasses ( he kept tailing me at the Trevi ) ,
the Bangla lookout, totting a small battery operated walkie talkie ( they come in all shapes and colours! ),
the hip young MGK copycat in hoodie ( he made a U turn and looked for the next victim on the next train ) ,
camera totting tourist or a busy executive in an expensive looking suit .
They love to strike where there is a crowd so if you can't avoid brushing past a crowd, ALWAYS hold onto your valuables REAL TIGHT.
Other than that, here are 5 extra steps you can either follow or improvise on ....
