Von Ralf Korten
Con art and pickpocketing have long since reached Tenerife. This was to be expected, as mass tourism attracts crooks like moths to a flame. It is highly commendable that Teneriffa News has raised this issue and thus taken the first step towards prevention.
To begin with, I would like to briefly mention that I have spent decades studying this phenomenon and all the dark sides of these offences. There is hardly a method of committing such offences with which I am not familiar. My first thoughts always go out to the victims, some of whom are severely traumatised. Not least because they blame themselves. But this is precisely where I would like to intervene, because no one in the world is safe from professional con artists and pickpockets.
There are countries where pickpockets are trained and set off with the blessing of both the state and the church. It is understandable that, upon their return, they express their gratitude to those who ‚blessed‘ them. As you can see, you are not necessarily to blame for the crime. And after reading the following lines, you will go through life more alert anyway.
How pickpockets operate in the Canary Islands
Let’s start by clearing up a few misconceptions: con artists and pickpockets generally have no scruples. None whatsoever. That is why they do not simply use men and women to carry out their crimes, but also (young) children as well as elderly, frail or physically disabled people. This is particularly insidious, as we are all conditioned to offer help without hesitation to children, the elderly and the disabled, of all people.
Pickpockets almost always work in teams. There are often three of them. One distracts the victim, the second pulls the wallet out of their pocket and hands it to the third, who then makes off with it. The reasoning behind this is that if the perpetrator is caught, they will not have the stolen goods in their possession – and the police will therefore have no evidence.
Pickpockets in the Canary Islands: Be careful in crowds
In many cases, the distraction described above works as follows: the thieves deliberately create a crowd. One stops abruptly whilst another pushes people together from behind. In such a moment of sudden congestion, your mind is on many things, but you usually don’t think of your wallet in time.
Distractions are also often created by pretending to fall over. To do this, perpetrators enlist the help of elderly, frail and even disabled accomplices. If you bend down to help, you will immediately be assisted by others. At least one of them, however, is after your wallet.
Pickpockets in the Canary Islands: be wary of apparent clumsiness
Another popular trick involves accidentally soiling your clothes, supposedly due to a moment of carelessness. The thief will apologise profusely, try to clean your jacket or coat with a cloth, and in doing so, steal your wallet.
Or perhaps you’ve just been out shopping on your own and are already sitting in your car when suddenly a stranger outside starts gesticulating wildly and pointing at the ground? If you see banknotes lying there, don’t for a moment think they’re yours. Because if you get out of the car, you’ll be making a fatal mistake: the con artists are after your valuables in the car, which will disappear the moment you pick up the money.
The money-changing scam is (not only) a classic in the Canary Islands
There are many such scams: if someone approaches you and asks to exchange money, all your alarm bells should start ringing. This age-old form of pickpocketing, also known as the ‚currency exchange scam‘, always plays out in the same way: no sooner have you taken out your wallet than the scammer offers to help you search through it. They rummage through your coins and you don’t realise that, with their other hand, the thief is pulling the notes out of the coin compartment.
If someone approaches you, never take out your wallet. This trick is particularly common on hikes. But nobody really needs small change in the woods. Just point them towards the nearest petrol station and carry on walking.
The ‚back-to-back‘ trick is also used in bars, cafés and restaurants. The thief sits with his back to you and steals ‚blind‘. They are directed by their accomplice, who in turn is keeping a close eye on you. The lookout tells the thief exactly where to reach in. Thieves also like to snatch bags as they walk past. This happens when you are briefly distracted. These thieves give themselves away by always ordering just one cold drink, which they pay for immediately.
Pickpockets in the Canary Islands: advice from an expert
If possible, don’t carry any cash with you. You can now even pay for a single coffee by credit card almost everywhere. Don’t let anyone hold you up. Immediately take a step to the side and don’t let anyone get close to you. If you do feel cornered, shout as loudly as you can „Help, pickpockets“, „Ayuda, carteristas“ or „Hilfe, Taschendiebe“ several times in quick succession. This sort of attention will scare off con artists and pickpockets.
If you do carry a handbag, always turn the flap inwards. Do not put valuables in rucksacks. You should always carry them close to your body.
And one more tip: if you live in the Canary Islands, always have a peephole fitted. Intercom systems with a camera are also excellent. Never open the front door if you are not sure who is at the door.
In most hotels, there is still a misconception that warnings about crime would lead guests to believe the hotel is unsafe. I rarely see police patrols. And I have never come across any information points in the south of Tenerife. At least not during the time I have spent on this beautiful island.
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