Stupid Tip of the Day: One Reason Why You Should Never Use Your Back Pants Pockets…

Note: Stupid Tip of the Day is a fairly new but no so new regular feature of The Gate which will not be featured regularly — if at all — after today.

“P eople can’t put their wallet in their back pocket?” asked James Larounis of The Forward Cabin in this interesting article of levity commemorating the worst accessories ever as sold from the SkyMall catalogue over the years — specifically pertaining to a ridiculous invention called The Front Pocket Wallet.

To answer your question, James — no. People should not put their wallets in their back pockets at any time — ever — and here is why…

Although I have traveled all over the world and have been to many major cities — I was born and raised in New York, in fact — I have never been a victim of a pickpocket for the simple reason that I never put anything of value in either of the back pockets of my pants.

It is significantly easier for a potential thief to rob you of something out of your back pocket — especially when you are distracted — because the thief is usually out of your sight and also because it is not as easy to feel the hand of someone infiltrating your back pocket as the front pocket of your pants, for example.

Even though this tip is primarily for men, the version for women who carry pocketbooks and purses is to keep the item in your sight at all times and not hanging behind you or on your side.

Most importantly is to keep yourself fully aware of your surroundings — a tough task while you are talking on your cellular telephone or composing a text message. Try to hold off on activities such as those until you are at a location where the risk of being the victim of a pickpocket is low.

If a stranger interacts with you — even if it seems to be for a seemingly innocent reason — inconspicuously put a hand either in a front pocket with your valuables; or wrap your arm around the pocketbook or purse. This is to better detect any infiltration on your valuables just in case the stranger is a potential thief seeking to distract you — and the person could have one or more partners in crime.

This WikiHow article gives some additional information and photographs pertaining to how pickpockets work; and how to prevent from becoming a victim of one of them.

Please relate any experiences you might have; as well as any additional advice to assist preventing fellow frequent fliers from becoming victims of pickpockets.

  1. I almost had it happen to me in Amsterdam while waiting for a tram – and my purse was close up against me (albeit on the side). Felt the guy jostle me but he didn’t succeed. He ran when I started yelling and kicking him in the shins. Lesson learned; fanny pack or purse at the front of my body !!

    1. From what I understand, what you did was the best thing you could do, JoEllen.

      I am glad to learn that you wound up on the winning end of what seemed to be a close call.

  2. While it wasn’t really a pickpocket, the one time I lost money while traveling was because I put it in my front pocket. That’s where I put my phone, keys, maps, and other stuff I’m always reaching for. It probably came out by accident while I was sleepily searching for directions to my hotel after an international flight.

    After that day, I’ve always kept my money in my wallet in my back pocket.

    1. Between Matt B and you, Scottrick, that is at least two votes for the back pocket.

      That bolsters the argument of never say never; and I am certain there are plenty more people who vote for the back pocket.

      I must say that I — well — never had an experience similar to yours, Scottrick

  3. I understand your opinion. Personally, I suffer through a money belt when I am abroad. What I don’t understand is why your disagreement couldn’t have been expressed more respectfully .

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!