How to avoid having your wallet stolen in Ann Arbor and while traveling
Since I discussed purse safety in a previous article, I thought I'd touch on some things you should know about carrying a wallet, especially if you travel during the holidays.Â
Ann Arbor doesn't have a pocket-picking problem. Pick pocket thieves are rare because it takes a bit of skill to perform this theft. About the only time anyone in Ann Arbor gets a wallet stolen from his or her pocket is during a robbery (a theft accomplished by the use or threat of force), when they leave their wallet in a jacket draped over a chair when they get up to dance, or when the victim is highly intoxicated to the point of being incapacitated.
During your travels, you should know in larger cities, airports, train stations, sports arenas, bars and near casinos, pick-pockets can be a problem. Many years ago, a New York City Police Department detective who happened by the station informed us he had worked a detail in New York that specialized in arresting (actually, cops in New York don’t arrest people, they “collar” “perps”) pocket picking thieves.
The NYPD detective told us the best place for your wallet is in your front pants pocket. Furthermore, the wallet should be wrapped with a rubber band. The rubber band creates friction in the pocket and will defeat most pick pockets. Inside coat pockets are the next best place for a rubber-band equipped wallet. Â
You won’t look as cool pulling your wallet out with the rubber band on it, but it will be safer. If you want to add a little panache to your rubber band nerd wallet, consider using a purple rubber band from broccoli, just like the mob guys use for their wads of cash.Â
It’s interesting wiseguys use rubber bands for their money instead of expensive money clips, but the rubber bands keep the money from sliding out of their pockets.
The worse place to keep your wallet is in an outside coat pocket, especially if the coat doesn’t have a snap or some sort of closure. You are probably more likely to lose your wallet than to have it stolen if you carry it in an open jacket pocket.
If you should ever find a wallet, by law you must turn it in to the police department, according to Public Act 273 of 1987. Obviously, if the owner is nearby, you can give the wallet back to the owner - but otherwise, you have to turn in any found property to the police department in the jurisdiction where the property was found.
Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware and watch out for your neighbors.
Rich Kinsey is a retired Ann Arbor Police Department detective sergeant who now blogs about crime and safety for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
millermaple
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.
When traveling in pickpocket prone areas, I use safety pins & pin my pocket shut, it's a pain to get the wallet out (I keep some small change in another pocket for easy access) but it works well.
WSC
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 1:09 p.m.
Good information...Thanks!!
scole
Sat, Nov 28, 2009 : 10:27 a.m.
I wasn't aware of the law requiring a wallet to be turned over to police either, but it seems that as long as you make an effort to return it to its rightful owner, you won't be chased down by the prosecutor. Turning it in to the business where you found it seems pretty reasonable. I also would not turn in a bag of dog poop to the Ann Arbor police, or any other police department for that matter. That just seems like a good way to get treated poorly anywhere. : )
spm
Sat, Nov 28, 2009 : 8:52 a.m.
When I've travelled overseas or go into the big cities I have a special cloth wallet that has a long strap that hangs around your neck and you keep inside your shirt. Works like a charm.
Epengar
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 11:37 p.m.
I've turned in lost property to the AAPD downtown a couple of times, and was treated politely and efficiently.
scooter dog
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 7:53 p.m.
I would not turn in a bag of dog poop to the ann arbor police dept.There front desk is bad attitude central
Michigan Reader
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 7:36 p.m.
In 1977, I was in a store on State St., in a long line at the checkout, and heard a loud voice near the front of the line say, "DON'T TRY THAT AGAIN!" I figured someone was trying to pick someone's pocket, and I've kept my wallet in my front left pocket ever since. Good idea about the rubber band. I might try that on my cell phone also, so it doesn't fall out of my pocket. Didn't know about the requirement regarding turning in lost wallets to the local police. I found a wallet near a vending machine at work, and turned it into the security guard. It had credit cards, and driver license. So, they were able to call the owner.
seldon
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 5:41 p.m.
It's good advice, but in real pickpocketing hot-spots it may not be enough. I had my wallet stolen from a front pocket while I was on the subway in Madrid. (It didn't have a rubber band on it, but I'm not convinced that would have made a difference.) European pickpockets sometimes work in teams, and are very good at what they do. Inside a jacket, zipped up, is an even safer option.
Quentin
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 12:43 p.m.
Some of us advocate carrying a second wallet in the obvious place with only scrap paper in it.
djm12652
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 12:10 p.m.
During the busy Holiday season, when I'm out shopping, dining, etc. my ID, cash and one credit card are stuffed in my bra. That way I'm sure to know exactly where it is. Not the most comfortable, but definitely the safest.
justaword
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 10:33 a.m.
Appreciate the contributions by Kinsey, but his articles sorely need proofreading for improved sentence structure and word usage. Sheesh!
Kristine
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 8:57 a.m.
Wow -- I also didn't know it was a law. I found a wallet just last week in front of Comcast's door (on Washtenaw) as I was walking in, and I turned it in to a Comcast employee. I sure hope the guy got it back!!!
Wolverine3660
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 8:11 a.m.
Thanks for the tip about using a rubber-band around the wallet.