Alert: Young Pickpockets

In recent days, Amsterdam police has arrested a number of very young pickpockets who were operating in downtown areas.

It is thought that the boys, ages 9-11, all come from Romania. The Police thinks they are not operating on their own initiative.

The young thieves are still in custody, but in the Netherlands children under the age of twelve can not be prosecuted.

Child protective services have been called upon to find a way to deal with the boys.

When it comes to pickpockets, Amsterdam is no different from other major (and not so major) cities. Tourists and locals alike have to be alert, and take reasonable precautions against being pickpocketed.

Money Belts

A good approach is to make use of money belts

Use one that is comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time, such as this money belt made of silk. As an added benefit, it features a moisture-barrier liner. You may not think you need that in a place like Amsterdam, but it does get hot over here, and if you’re inclined to transpire while walking or bicycling you’ll appreciate the fact that the liner prevents your cash from being liquidated (so to speak).

Another option is an actual belt – designed to hold up your pants and to keep your money save – such as this Leather Money Belt by Winn International

That said, even when using a money belt it is best not to carry large amounts of money on your person – especially if you expect to be out deep into the night. Trying to make your way back to the hotel – after a few drinks and perhaps a joint – you may well be an easy target for a mugger.

Fake Policemen

Besides tiny pickpockets and blunt-force muggers there’s another phenomenon you will have to take into account. In recent years, many tourists (and a few locals) have been mugged by policemen. Fake policemen, that is.

Newspaper reports generally state that these folks – dressed up in uniforms ordered new or second-hand online – hail from such countries as Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, and the Ukraine. But as a tourist yourself, you may not know the difference between them and the real cops (especially when you take into consideration that Holland is a multi-cultural society).

If you are stopped by cops who want to make sure that you have not become the victim of a fake money scam, rest assured that you are about to be separated from your money.

• Do not even show your wallet
• Yell for help. Draw lots of attention to yourself.
• Ask locals to call the police.
• After the scare: go ahead, drink a pint or two. Just as long as you don’t enter any dark alleys when you’re done.

Original content © Copyright 2009 DutchAmsterdam.nl [Read what that actually means]

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