Not a Pickpocket Spotted
I just returned from 11 days in the Barcelona (the pickpocket capital of the world, according to Rick Steves) and Italy....in late winter (early March).
I was amazed not to notice anything that created discomfort....and no pickpocketing. Perhaps they only work in summer.
Winter is a good time to travel. Crowds tend to be smaller, and perhaps the presence of thick coats, multiple layers, and various zippered inside pockets makes it slim pickings for pickpockets.
Even on the perenially crowded 64 bus in Rome, described by Rick as a pickpockers delight, I saw nothing out of the ordinary and of course did not experience any problems myself despite really crowded conditions.
So, where did they all go?