“Hugger Muggers” & Other Thieves Travelers Should Be on the Lookout For

Beware “hugger muggers” and other thieves, international travelers — these simple steps will help keep your passport safe while abroad.

According to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), more than 20,000 Britons lost or had their passports stolen last year. In response, the FCO launched a public service campaign geared toward international travelers, #PassportAware, sharing easy tips on how to “avoid being hustled on holiday” and prevent passport theft.

“Holidays are a great time of enjoyment with friends and family, but if you do end up a victim of theft, or simply lose your passport, then your trip could be ruined,” said FCO Minister James Duddridge. “Criminals operate all over the world, so travelers need to keep their wits about them and take care of their passports or risk losing valuable holiday time and money applying for an emergency travel document.”

The series of videos highlight a variety of potential passport thieves, giving each type of thief a fitting name, such as: The Bottleneck, where one pickpocket creates a scene in a busy area that allows another to steal a passport; The Cover-Up, where the pickpocket covers a woman’s purse with a map and asks directions, then steals the passport out of her bag underneath the map; The Distraction, another case of one pickpocket drawing someone’s attention away from their personal items while another steals it; and The Hugger Mugger, a pickpocket pretending to be drunk and hugging a tourist to steal their passport out of their back pocket.

“Pickpockets and thieves constantly evolve their techniques and tactics,” said James Freedman, a stealth crime expert. “If you don’t need to take your passport with you, leave it in your hotel safe instead.”

Freedman advised travelers to keep valuables securely in their pockets and only carry what they absolutely need. If travelers are carrying a bag with them, they should never loose sight of it, especially in crowds, where Freedman says they should be more alert and mindful of those who get too close.

Lastly, Freedman warned travelers not to “advertise” — patting bags or pockets — where their valuables are. “That’s why you’ll often find pickpockets near the ‘Beware Pickpockets’ sign.”

All of the #PassportAware videos can be viewed on the FCO’s Travel Advice YouTube.

[Photo: iStock]