Be aware of pickpockets

I read the item about the scourge of pickpockets abroad (Aug. ’14, pgs. 2, 67). When I was in London in July 2014, newspapers were rife with reports of well-organized gangs preying on people in all European cities.

I recall a trick attempted on my wife and me in Rome some years ago. An old lady surrounded by young kids overwhelmed us, throwing a large newspaper in our faces while her scrum of children tore at us, attempting to get into our pockets and handbags.

A letter writer telling of his experiences in Paris (Aug. ’14, pg. 54) suggested yelling “Pickpocket!” whenever one is seen in action. One might also add “Voleur!” (“Thief”!), on the chance that a few people who speak French might still be in France for the summer.

MERRILL SARTY

Los Angeles, CA