My husband and I landed in Rome, jetlagged and luggage-laden, and rushed to catch the high-speed train to Florence. On the train, two young women offered to help us find our seats. I was pleased to have the assistance—until I heard my husband say, “Where’s my wallet?”

The young women had been jostling us as we worked our way to our seats, a common pickpocket tactic. I grabbed the women by their wrists and demanded, “Where’s my husband’s wallet?” One of them pointed to the floor where she’d thrown it and said, “There it is.”

Later I recognized that what I had done was not safe. Detective Kevin Coffey, a 31-year veteran of one of America’s largest police forces and founder of CorporateTravelSafety.com, agrees. Some pickpockets may become violent when cornered (though this is not common).

Prevention is the best course, says Coffey. Men should carry their wallets in their front pockets and avoid loose-fitting pants. Wrap a thick rubberband around the wallet, too—the rubber makes it harder for pickpockets to slide the wallet smoothly out of a front pocket.

Better yet, purchase a belt-loop wallet, sometimes called a hidden wallet or hidden pocket. This small pouch attaches to the belt and tucks inside the pants behind the front pocket, making it extremely difficult for pickpockets. It also is more convenient than a money belt because you don’t have to untuck your shirt to gain access—just pull it out by its strap.

Women should carry purses that zip closed with a flap that folds over (the flap should face your body). For more travel safety tips, go to www.CorporateTravelSafety.com/safety-tips.

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