The top locations used by pickpockets and bag snatchers Put the leg of a table into the centre of a carrying strap of any bag you have. Motorway service stations From here there will be a quick getaway. Whatever happens never ever get involved in a car chase. The tube When balancing from ceiling straps anything kept in a back pocket may be vulnerable. Watch out in the bustle near the oyster card machine and turnstile. Try to have your ticket and pass ready in your hand earlier. On a bus Particularly late at night or very early in the morning it is easy to drop off for a short nap. Thieves know this and tend to go to the back of a bus to get a good view and then make a snatch of say, a laptop. Then they make a quick exit. In the supermarket In a crowded aisle don't have handbag or wallets on the back of, or in, a supermarket trolley. You only need to reach for a product and a thief may be helping themselves to your possessions out of sight and out of mind. As you go to put the shopping trolley back, lock your car door. On the beach People are particularly vulnerable to theft when dozing on a beach. Be aware that children playing nearby for instance, may not be as innocent as they seem. In a theme park or zoo People are in casual mode here and trusting goes with that. Don't think though that just because someone has paid to get in they would not rummage around to find rich pickings in the way of money for example, or cameras while parents/ grandparents are being distracted. It is not unknown for people to combine a day out with this sort of activity. "Dippers" are on the lookout for easy pickings from open bags which they may well watch after payment for a ticket for, say, a children's ride. Airports Emerging jet-lagged from a plane at an airport someone could be stalking you and your luggage. Railway station Don't leave a car unlocked even if saying only a brief goodbye on the platform or just meeting someone. Trying on clothes in a changing room Don't leave your bag or other possessions in a changing room while checking out an item of clothing in the mirror. Cloakrooms Bags on the floor may be pulled under a dividing section. Dark and isolated places Avoid unlit areas at night. Check out our list for the top tricks used by pickpockets and bag-snatchers here