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[ITTP]

Just wanted to make everyone either planning their trip to Prague or already here in Prague aware of the growing number of pickpockets in town.
Having been living here for some time I have got to recognize some of the pickpockets and they have become more sophisticated now.
One way in which their sophistication shows is that in the past they would just simply come in a group and take your bag for example.
Now, many pickpockets are posing as tourists. They have big cameras (stolen from a tourist probably), and they distract you by asking for directions while a partner takes your wallet or purse.
I live in Prague 6 and have also noticed pickpockets hanging around the airport bus stop by Dejvicka metro station.
It is an increasing problem in Prague and I'm afraid it seems that the local police are too busy to take action; busy as in focussing their efforts seeimingly on the roads where they can fine drivers and bring in much needed funds for the police kitty.

You should be alert in areas frequented by tourists and also at bus and tram stops when you are vunerable to theft.
Narodni Trida is one of the worst places btw.

Prague is safe.
Prague has a low number statistic of violent crime.
Prague is much safer than Paris or London.
Unfortunately though, Prague has a considerably large number of reported petty theft each year.

Another thing to be careful about is when paying with your credit card in a restaurant or shop.
In some places the receipt slip which you are given when paying shows the whole of your credit card number.
In such cases you should keep hold of this receipt and destroy it.

In general, you should also watch your change when paying for goods. always count what you are given as often you will find that you have been short changed.

Also, waitors in Prague 1 have this annoying habit of bringing your meal change in coins instead of notes in the hope that you won't realize the worth and leave the coins as a tip (when it could be as much as a couple of hundred CZK).

Hezky den!/Lovely day!

Neville

ITTP Prague
Jungmannova 32
Prague 1