Basically it's petty crime we're talking about here. These words to the wise take a humanist approach. They're gender-blind. As a tourist – regardless of sex – you can be seen as an easy target. Here's how to lessen your chances of a rip-off or worse.

Attitude

• Walking forlornly up and down streets with your nose in a map doesn't help. Step into a doorway or entrance and discreetly consult your map. Better yet, if that doorway leads into a public place like a cafe, ask for directions.
• Learn to have eyes in the back of your head. Who's behind or beside you? Are they following too closely for your comfort? Don't be paranoid; be aware.
• Hold your head up and act like you know where you're going. Sound familiar to our female readers?
• Here's a brilliant tip: Buy an el cheapo wallet or coin purse. The uglier the better. Put the equivalent of ten bucks inside. Now when you need to pay for something you're not flaunting all the loot that should be hiding in its discreet location in your money pouch.
• Double check when you leave an ATM that you haven't left anything behind. Get your cash withdrawal into your money pouch promptly. You're not waving your money and jewels around, are you?
• For that matter, you didn't bring anything with you that you would be heartbroken to have lost or stolen, right?
• Someone wants your passport as a security measure for rentals or accommodation? Hand over your IDP, ISIC or hostelling card first.
• If you're travelling alone, try walking in groups when you can.
• Same goes for partying; do it with people you feel good about.
• No meter in a cab? Negotiate the fare before you jump in.
• Something doesn't feel right? Leave.
• Trust your instincts. If you're feeling it in your gut, you're probably right.
• Where are all those thieves and con artists slinking around? Right where you are; all the places travellers like to visit.

Snatch and Grab

• Incidents of thieves making a grab or slash for bags worsen every year. If you use a fanny pack, wear it in front. If you use a purse, wear it diagonally across the shoulder. Can you afford to lose what's in your daypack if it's slashed? Money pouch, money pouch, money pouch.
• Don't leave your bags unattended in public
• Sleep with your money pouch inside your pillowcase. Put it in a Ziploc bag and bring it into the shower with you.
• Pickpockets might shove or bump you first. While you're distracted, you're robbed.

The Great Train Robbery

• On a train, lock your backpack to the luggage rack or something immobile. If it's an overnight ride and you can't attach your pack to anything, sleep with your leg through its straps. You're more likely to wake up in the case of a disturbance than if you just intertwine your arm in it.
• Double check your seat when you depart to make sure you haven't left anything behind. Take your daypack with you even if you're just going to the washroom.
• Don't sleep alone in a compartment. Find buddies, at least for the night.
• Feel free to lock compartment doors.

Heard of These Ones Yet?

• Something is sprayed, splattered or otherwise thrown at you. Grip your possessions even more tightly – and don't wipe. Someone's about to try robbing you.
• Purse or pack snatches from moving cars, motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, bicycles.
• Snatches just as you get on a departing train or ferry.
• Being swarmed by cute kids. They're not cute. They're pick pocketing you.
• Somebody attractive joins your table. You buy them a drink. You're later presented with an outrageous tab. You're shown the fine print on a little sign posted outside you'd fail to notice when you came in. Sad but true. And legal.
• Pregnant woman asks for your seat. Of course you stand up. Now you're surrounded by some big guys rifling your pockets.

Men and Women

• The halter or tank top you wear at home will not work in many countries and locations. Skimpy shorts don't work anywhere. Cover up according to local standards or you'll invite unwanted attention.
• Don't respond to catcalls, whistles or even really rude comments. Walk away in dignity with an air of disdain. Don't make furious eye contact or even speak to the Neanderthal.
• A band on your wedding finger can help minimize unwanted interest.
• Watch your drink glass or bottle when in bars. You don't want anything nasty slipped into your drink.

Above all, if you are robbed or accosted, report it immediately to the police. You need a police file number in order to make an insurance claim. No number, no claim.