How To Avoid Getting Pickpocketed

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A couple centuries ago, pickpocketing was the scourge of cities around the world. From Dickens' London to New York City's famous Five Points, skilled thieves practiced their craft, filching the valuables of passersby without the victim noticing a thing.

In fact, that's how pockets in clothing got their start: Prior to the 17th century, men and women alike carried their valuables in purses outside the body; they then started tying pouches inside their clothes in an attempt to thwart would-be 'cutpurses' and thieves. To avoid finding yourself in that kind of aggravating mess, you simply need to take a few precautions that'll greatly reduce your vulnerability to pickpockets.