Do you ever think about how much personal information you carry around with you everywhere you go; like checquebooks, credit cards, organizers with personal information, mobile phones?

These are the most common ‘personal information things’ that are carried around by people day-in and day-out either in a purse or wallet. You most likely will never consider how much of your personal information you carry around until it has been stolen.

Carry only what you need

The best advice is to ‘only carry what you need with you”. If you don't need a camera with you, don't take it and the same goes for cash and credit cards, only take what cash you need and don't take all your credit cards with you, just the ones you are likely to use. If you're not going to be writing checques today leave your checquebook at home.

Pickpockets like crowded, busy places

Pickpockets like busy streets and crowded places and often act very inconspicuously. Someone bumping into you could well be a pickpocket. If this happens, check that you still have your things with you.

Keep your purse or wallet inside your jacket or trouser pocket. Pockets that zip or button are best. Check every now and then to make sure you still have your wallet or purse on you, but don't make this too obvious as pickpockets can spot you doing this and it will help them plan their attack.

Be aware of your surroundings and where your belongings are

Be thoughtful about your surroundings and try to appear to be relaxed. Do not leave your bag unattended in a public place, such as in a pub, coffee bar or shop. If you try on shoes in a shop for example, don't walk even a short distance away from your bag. Keep it with you or ask the shop assistant to hold it for you.

When you carry a bag, strap it across your chest and keep hold of it, but at the same time try not to look overly cautious. Keep the zip or opening towards you. Wallets are better protected from thieves by carrying them in a front pocket. Back-pack style bags are especially vulnerable to thieves.

Carry some sort of protection

Keep in mind that the police are ready and willing to help you but unfortunately most of the time they are only on the scene after the fact. That's why it is important that you be prepared to protect yourself from thieves that don't act inconspicuously and may be threatening you with bodily harm.

That's when you will thank yourself for having something handy for instant personal protection such as a stun gun or pepper spray. An electronic personal alarm will help you attract enough attention to catch a thieve off guard for just enough time to get away. The value of what you had stolen may be minor compared to the consequences of being attacked.

Remember to put your safety first

Call the police as soon as possible after something is stolen. However, don't dial 10111 unless you have actually caught someone in the act and have managed to apprehend them. Think carefully before chasing after someone or trying to restrain a thief. Always put your own safety first.