wahooflyer had a good point, but GradGirl nailed it. I was going to say this. Plastic is preferable to thieves now. And if they don't know how to use it, they definitely know where to sell it. The ultimate prize for a thief is called "a set of works," or a "spread." That is, a credit card, drivers license, and ss#. It's better than cash. I define pickpockets as either opportunists, or strategists. The opportunists are easy to outsmart. The strategists create their own diversion and can be quite devious. BTW, I wrote the book mentioned at the start of the thread. More experiences, anyone?