Are you at risk of being pickpocketed? What Ontario shoppers need to know about recent thefts and how to protect yourself

Police forces across the GTA, including Peel, Halton, Durham and York, have reported pickpocketing incidents at Value Village stores in recent months.

In a Dec. 27 article published by Metroland Media, Karen Ahmed says she was pickpocketed of her phone while shopping at Markham Value Village,

The article reports that Peel Police said there have been 19 incidents at the region’s stores, five being reports of pickpocketing and 11 of the victims were over the age of 60.

Halton police said there were six pickpocketing incidents over the past five months and Durham and York police also reported a handful of thefts at Value Villages as well.

Pickpocketing has gone up in recent years, recent news reporting suggests.

Several security companies who spoke with the Toronto Star said they’ve noticed the increase following the COVID-19 pandemic, as people lost jobs while the cost of living has risen, making people resort to crime.

According to an expert who spoke with the Star, pickpockets are becoming more sophisticated and often work in groups with some people monitoring or creating distractions.

So, how do you protect yourself?

What thieves look for

The Toronto Police Service provides information for protecting yourself from various crimes on its personal safety page — the information is applicable whether you're in Toronto or elsewhere.

Regarding protecting yourself from petty theft, the Toronto police page says thieves look for the following things:

• Easy pickings — Items that are left unattended in shopping carts, dressing rooms or desks, as well as wallets protruding from pockets and purses are targets.
• Crowds — The noise and confusion of a crowd helps conceal crime, and people should be especially vigilant when in a crowd.
• Distraction — When people are distracted, they’re less likely to be able to remember what the thief looks like and could be unaware a theft has occurred until much later. Thieves will also cause a distraction or target you if you appear preoccupied.
• Clutter — Police suggest people carry only what they need and should consider clothing with hidden pockets.
• Purses/bags — People are advised to not bring a purse if they don’t need it or are going where they can’t properly care for it. When you do have it with you, keep it zipped shut and carry it close to you with an arm across it.
• Backpacks — People are advised to keep their backpack zipped closed and check it periodically. When in a crowd or on public transit, bring your backpack to your front and keep an arm over it.
• Earphones — Thieves look for high-end electronics by paying attention to brand-name earphones. Police advise you limit their use or to use a generic pair when travelling through public places or on transit. Additionally, when you are listening to your headphones, you’re less likely to be able to keep yourself safe.

The Toronto police has other advice on its personal safety page.

Travelling tips

The Canadian government provides a host of information for protecting yourself from petty crimes such as pickpocketing when travelling. The tips are useful whether you’re abroad or not.

To avoid becoming a victim, the Canadian government recommends:

• Be suspicious of strangers approaching you, such as street vendors
• Avoid showing signs of affluence such as flashy jewelry, cellphones, and headphones
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Keep your bag between your feet in public places and in front of you on public transportation
• Don’t leave purses or backpacks containing valuables in overhead compartments of long-distance buses
• Always ask restaurants and bars to bring the credit card machine to your table or bring your card to the machine
• Avoid packing valuables in checked luggage because organized groups are known to operate at airports searching for electronics and valuables

The government says common theft scams include:

• Distracting the victim by asking questions while another person carries out the theft
• Spraying a substance on victims and then stealing from them while pretending to help clean the stain
• Putting merchandise such as dishcloths or socks on top of your phone at restaurants and picking up your phone along with the merchandise
• Placing items on your windshield at traffic intersections to get you to roll down your window or to see what’s in your vehicle

People are also being advised that thefts commonly occur in:

• Popular tourist areas
• Transportation terminals, including bus terminals, train stations, cruise and ferry terminals, airports and subways
• Hotel lobbies
• Restaurants and bars, including patios

Reporting a crime

Victims of crime, such as theft, are advised to report it to police by calling the local police department on a non-emergency number. In an emergency, call 911.

You can also report crime anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

With files by Jeremy Grimaldi