He was one of those annoying scrubs – fake Louis Vuitton cap, plastic fucci (fake Gucci) shoes and a massive attitude. If he could get my number? No. Where was I from? What did I like? Did I have a boyfriend? Was I married maybe? And if I would grab a drink with him. I ignored him but he was pretty pushy. I discovered that he tried to distract me from his friend sitting on my other side. This friend – plain clothes, seemed to have a special interest in my backpack. I caught him redhanded trying to unzip my front pouch. I wasn’t carrying anything of value except for my phone (in my trousers) but when I noticed the plump guy trying to get into my backpack I jumped up and started screaming. Both guys ran away into the crowds and disappeared in no time.

I have to admit that I was a bit shaken by the whole incident. Up until that point, I have never felt unsafe in London. It did change my whole outlook. When I told my friends about the two guys, I found out that almost all of my London friends had been pickpocketed at least once since arriving in the city.

As a tourist it is extra important to brace yourself against pickpockets. Londoners are stern people, walking from point A to point B without much interest in what is going on around them. But when you are a tourist you want to take in the sights and smells and sounds of your surroundings. This means that you will be distracted (like me with my book and the guy) and be an easy target for pickpockets.

Definitely invest in an anti-theft backpack. These backpacks are designed to make it hard for pickpockets to get to your belongings. The zip is often protected by a flap or a piece of fabric.

Also take copies of important documents such as passports and flight tickets and always keep the phone number or address of your embassy or consulate close by.

I wrote a great article on pickpockets and how not to get your shit stolen!