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National Crime Prevention Council
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Pick Pocket

Learn more about pickpocketing and the steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid falling victim.

Last updated on 23 September 2026
The image illustrates pickpocketing or theft tactics used in crowded public spaces to warn the public about situational awareness and crime prevention.

How it can happen

Heard of trade secrets?

  • Businesses, companies and organisations have them. Well, so do pickpockets! Here are some of their secrets and police advice on how to avoid becoming a victim. Pickpockets target at people in crowds who carry cash in public.

  • Do not display excessive cash in the public as this might draw unnecessary attention, instead use NETS & ATM cards for cashless transactions where possible.

  • Pickpockets deliberately bump into an unsuspecting person in a crowd. Check your wallets, handbag and valuables immediately if someone bumps into you unnecessarily. They create a commotion in public to distract everybody’s attention while picking on pockets.

  • Be on guard and alert for various scams and confidence trickster that would take place while you are doing banking at an ATM or after a transaction out from the bank.

  • Do not doze off in the bus or MRT train and leave your belongings unattended.

  • Do not be distracted by strangers creating a commotion or accidentally spilling something on you. Be wary of such situations.

Preventive Measures

Precautions for women

  • They look out for ladies with handbags especially handbags carried with clasps facing outwards.

  • Ladies, carry your bag tightly under your arm and always keep it properly fastened. Sling your handbag in front of you so that you can keep an eye on it.

  • Never leave your handbag in a shopping basket or trolley.

Precautions for men

  • They prefer men who keep wallets in the rear trousers or chest pockets. So men, keep your wallet in your side trousers pocket.

Punishment

A person convicted of pickpocket is liable to:

  • A jail term which may extend to 3 years; or

  • A fine; or both.

Crime Prevention Posters

A close-up shot captures a person wearing headphones and a grey backpack riding an escalator, with a smartphone and cash bills visibly exposed in an outer pocket as a graphic hand outline reaches toward it.

Pick Pocket