Police call them Hugger-Muggers. Very friendly - pat on the back, even a big hug, and "Hey Mate! How's it going?" Just as you depart a pub, coffeehouse, or bar late evening. Meanwhile, the accomplice picks your purse or pocket, empties your wallet, and drops it on the sidewalk behind you.
Coordinated thievery, without the slightest signal between hugger and accompanying mugger.
Attention Road Warrioress! Women are prime targets! Top items sought: cash and credit cards from purse or wallet, cell phones, and small electronics.
Primary venues: London - especially Camden and Westminster; Stockholm. Most commonly late evening or night. Don't expect this type of crime to be limited to these two cities or this time of day for long. Just because there's a sharp rise in police reports from these two cities in particular does not mean this is simply a "local phenomenon." It can happen anywhere anytime.
Safety Tips & Prevention:
* Don't let strangers "hug" or touch you. Stop them! They'll try to lead a merry dance around you. Evade and speak loudly enough for passersby to hear: "No! Get away from me!" or "Don't touch me! I don't know you!"
* Wear your shoulder bag strapped diagonally around your neck and under your arm, then slide the bag toward the front of your body. Keep your forearm along the top of the bag with your hand gripping the strap.
* Use a security-cabled bag. Use tiny luggage locks. Secure the phone - don't keep it in an open pocket without Velcro or zipper close. Anything to slow them down! Make things more troublesome for the pickpocket, Hugger-Mugger, or other assorted villain.
* Keep ID, credit cards, and other valuables in a hidden body belt or bra bag which attaches securely to clothing. Use the interior pocket of your jacket, then zip up both pocket and jacket to prevent a hand sneaking in. Stitch up an extra interior pocket inside your jeans.
May your road rise to meet you - and may you remain safe along the road!
Ann
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