Editor’s Note: Lagos is an exciting city but like every city, it has its own challenges. In many of the crowded parks, bus stops and markets, there exist smart alecs who have elevated pick pocketing into an art form. The real Lagosians who are familiar with Lagos are aware of their antics but yet still fall victim. How can you avoid pick pockets in Lagos?
The Tips below will be useful if you are a visitor or resident:
- Always store valuables in a front pocket or a secret pocket.Make sure items you carry are not visible to prying eyes. Keep nothing valuable in your back pocket especially when you are sitting or standing in the bus, as this is a vulnerable place for smart alecs.
- Avoid walking through large crowds. Pickpockets can easily blend in and snatch wallets without anyone noticing in crowded bus stops like Oshodi, Mile 2 and other busy parks.
- Don’t touch or fiddle with the pocket where you carry your belongings and valuables. You will regret doing this because it drops a huge hint about where you keep your things, not only to the pickpocket but also to the watching eyes.
- This advice is for ladies: refrain from rummaging through your wallet or counting money in public. While you are looking through your wallet, it’s easy for someone to snatch it out of your hands and make off with it. If you must use your wallet in any way, shape, or form, do so away from large crowds and in a safe place.
- Count your money at home before you venture out. Never lay out money and your ATM cards on a table/phone booth/etc. in a public place, as somebody can snatch it. Counting money publicly also advertises its presence and its location.
- Don’t Carry Bags with Long Straps. Pick pockets will cut it off. Don’t dangle the purse loose below your waist. The strap should be short enough that you can keep the purse and its openings under your elbow. A purse strap of metal chain is very secure, because it cannot be easily cut. Also, try to find a purse that has the zipper within your eyesight – not one that’s behind you. Having a purse with a zipper in the back will make it easier for someone behind you to unzip your purse and make off with its contents.
- Carry your purse across your chest. If the strap is long enough, put it over your head so the strap runs diagonally across your chest, with the purse itself under your arm.
- Close zippers and clasps on purses and backpacks.
- Don’t be careless with your ATM card. When you’re done with the card, put it in your wallet right away. When eating out, never give the credit card to the waiter take the time to go with him/her, as waiters sometimes make copies of the credit cards. Whenever you are going out to a public place, only take what you need. Leave behind some money and any credit card(s), ID, etc. that you don’t need to take. That way, if you do get pick pocketed, you don’t lose everything.
- Use a money belt or an inside coat pocket.Concealment may not always protect you from muggers and sophisticated thieves, but it will make it much less convenient for the casual thief. This sort of defense is most effective if it is completely invisible, so avoid accessing such hiding places in public.
- Consider making a muggers wallet if you know you will go somewhere dangerous. A mugger’s wallet is not your real wallet – it is merely a false copy to trick the mugger into thinking that it is your real wallet. Stuff a few receipts and expired credit cards in your mugger’s wallet and keep your real wallet in a secret pocket. Put your mugger’s wallet anywhere you like, but do NOT put it in a concealed pocket! By making this wallet, your real wallet will be safer.
- Blend in. If If you are going to tough places like Oshodi, Oju ina or downtown Agege, you must blend in and act tough. Wearing sunglasses will help as well. Don’t wear brightly colored shirts or anything that makes you stand out of the crowd.
- Leave nothing unattended.Do not hang a bag or purse over the back of a chair (such as in a restaurant or Internet cafe), and certainly do not leave it behind while you walk off. If you have to go somewhere (ex: bathroom), bring it with you no matter what, or risk it being stolen!
- Wear backpacks on your front if you must wear one in a crowd.It’s best not to have anything important in your backpack at all.
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