When non-purse-wearing tourists see signs saying "beware of pickpockets," they may put a hand on their wallet pocket to check it's still there, also informing any nearby pickpockets which pocket has the wallet.

If someone asks "Do you have the time," say no or wear a cheap-ish watch, don't pull out your phone for them to grab and run.

I had a wallet in a zippered trouser leg and a girl on the Rome Metro tried to unzip it and steal the wallet, unsuccessfully because it was a small pocket opening and she struggled getting it out. It was my decoy wallet anyway with less than €10 for small purchases and if someone really wanted to steal it. My ID and other cash hid in an ankle wallet under a sock and under long trousers.