Now, ordinarily, I'd like to be a little more specific, but unfortunately, I started listening to a radio program this morning halfway through the topic, so I don't know all the facts.
At any rate, the DJ was talking to callers about things of which to be careful while in different ports. I didn't hear the specific port, but I'm presuming, based on other parts of the discussion, it was Mexico. Tourists are being set up by shady characters; essentially, tourists are having illegal items surrepticiously placed on their person, i.e. in exposed pockets, shopping bags, etc, and then being threatened with jailing if they don't open their wallet. This may be a myth, but it does bring to the forefront a need to be aware of your surroundings and the need for caution when in unfamiliar locations here in the states or abroad. Simply, have a great time wherever you go, but be on guard and protect yourself.
Now, ordinarily, I'd like to be a little more specific, but unfortunately, I started listening to a radio program this morning halfway through the topic, so I don't know all the facts.
At any rate, the DJ was talking to callers about things of which to be careful while in different ports. I didn't hear the specific port, but I'm presuming, based on other parts of the discussion, it was Mexico. Tourists are being set up by shady characters; essentially, tourists are having illegal items surrepticiously placed on their person, i.e. in exposed pockets, shopping bags, etc, and then being threatened with jailing if they don't open their wallet. This may be a myth, but it does bring to the forefront a need to be aware of your surroundings and the need for caution when in unfamiliar locations here in the states or abroad. Simply, have a great time wherever you go, but be on guard and protect yourself.
Were there any practical solutions offered for the problems outlined? Being aware of one's surroundings is one thing, but having exposed pockets and shopping bags is not so easy to do anything about.
Unfortunately, no solutions other than heightened awareness were offered. Of course, wearing a long hanging shirt over your pants is one way of discouraging someone from dropping a little unwanted something in your back pocket. Keeping your shopping bags closed at the top with no gaps is a simple way to discourage "drop in the bag" folks. Try to avoid a really crowded area (I know, easier said than done sometimes), where you're packed in and vulnerable to any number of things, i.e. pick pockets.
From my perspective, heightened awareness and common sense are the main tools you have to combat something like this. I'm sure others have suggestions on how to keep yourself out of peril.
Indeed, common sense goes a long way. I've come face to face with situations similar to this in my past travels, so I guess I should know what to expect.
Linear Mode
