Victim of Pick Pocket in Geneva

The sms read, "Daddy got pick pocket loss credit card IC and RM1600." The news came like a bolt from the blue. My adrenaline started rushing. I was in total confusion. I tried to think, but my mind was blank, empty. What should I do now?

I wanted to call Mom, but I didn't know the country calling code to Geneva. Instead of calling, I decided to text her back. So, I did some research online, hopefully to find something useful that could help them. So, I Googled, to be specific.

"Pick pocket victim in Europe + what to do" I typed. As usual, hundreds of thousands of sites appeared in front of me. And, usually, I won't bother looking at the second page if I find what I need on the first one.

My eyes were fixed to the screen and started filtering unnecessary information.
"Warning: Are You A Pickpocket's Next Victim?" No, the incident happened.
"How to React After Being the Victim of A Pick Pocket" Yes! This is the one.

Here's what to do:

1. Don't panic (which would naturally happen)
 
2. Call the helpdesk to cancel all the credit cards that were stolen (which might take up time...the site says that it usually takes only 20 mins for the robber to make several purchases using your cc)
 
3. Call 911 or go to the nearest police station to lodge a report (which might never happen due to the hassle or tight schedule)

So, I texted my Mom all the info I got.

And here's what she replied, "Our tight schedule lucky he didnt take our passport."

Because my parents are on vacation, they don't have time for a police report. You can say they're ignorant because if they do lodge a report on pickpocketing, the police could keep track of the crime rate and hopefully, do something about it.

However, my parents are visiting several places in just 2 weeks and that means, they have to utilise every min they have. That means, forgoing the police station.

My mom called me hours later to update me on their situation and told me that my dad was robbed in the washroom. Luckily, he wasn't mugged. That would be terrible.

I'm not here to scare you. I'm not here to tell you, "It's safer to be here than there." My only message is "Be extra vigilant."

Here's how to avoid being pickpocketed by ehow.com:

1. Look confident. Don't show confusion or the expression of "I am lost".
 
2. Carry your backpack in front. Maybe you should start calling it frontpack. Or use a money belt.
 
3. Trick the trickster (I like this!) Carry an empty wallet in your back pocket.
 
4. Don't be a nosy person. Pickpockets may stage scenes (as a distraction) while their other allies will rob you when you're so busy looking at what's happening.
 
5. Always, always treat your belongings like your precious babies. Don't leave them unattended even if they're close to you.
 
6. Remember that kids will steal too.

Finally, this is what I always do, keep ur cash separately. Some in the wallet, some inside the pocket, some leave in the backpack.

That's all, travellers! Happy travelling!