On public transportation such as subways or buses, due to the dense crowds, thieves often take advantage of people's negligence or the complexity of the environment and use various clever tricks to steal other people's valuables. Knowing these common methods will help you be more vigilant and protect your property. Here are some common theft tricks: 1. **Distraction (distraction crime)**: - **Creating chaos or quarrels**: Thieves may suddenly start a quarrel or cause a small-scale chaos to divert others' attention and take advantage of the opportunity to steal. - **Exerting physical contact**: Creating chaos or making the target nervous by touching, hugging or "accidentally" making physical contact with the target to cover up the theft. 2. **Taking advantage of the crowd**: - **Committing crimes in crowded carriages**: In crowded and chaotic environments, thieves can easily approach the target and quickly take away valuables such as wallets and mobile phones. - **Stealing from behind**: In a crowded environment, thieves can steal from the target's back or side without being noticed. 3. **Pretend to need help**: - **Ask for help to get an item**: Thieves may pretend to need help to get a backpack, mobile phone, etc., and take the opportunity to take the target's items. - **Impersonate a train attendant**: Some thieves may pretend to be subway or bus staff, use their position to approach passengers and steal. 4. **Use technical means**: - **Hidden small tools**: Use small tools such as thin ropes, magnetic buckles, etc. to quietly untie or open passengers' bags or pockets. - **Clips or telescopic rods**: Install clips or telescopic rods in unnoticeable positions, specifically for grabbing small items such as bags and mobile phones. 5. **Teamwork**: - **Multiple team members**: One team member is responsible for distracting the target, while another member is dedicated to stealing, increasing the success rate. - **Alternate crimes**: Take turns to commit crimes at different stations or different carriages to reduce the risk of being discovered. **Prevention tips**: - **Stay alert**: On public transportation, always pay attention to the surrounding environment and people, especially during crowded hours. - **Keep your valuables safe**: Keep valuables such as wallets and cell phones in your front pockets or next-to-your-body bag, away from places where they can be easily accessed. - **Avoid showing valuables**: Try not to frequently use or display high-value items in public to reduce the possibility of becoming a target. - **Watch strangers’ behavior**: Be wary of people who display unusual behavior or frequent contact, especially when asking for help. - **Use anti-theft devices**: Consider using devices such as anti-theft bags and anti-cut chains to make it more difficult for thieves to commit crimes. By understanding these common theft methods and taking corresponding preventive measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of becoming a target of theft on public transportation and protect the safety of your belongings.