In various regions around the globe, mugging and pickpocketing are prevalent, sophisticated skills (similar to [slash attacks](https://foxnomad.com/2022/07/28/how-to-protect-your-backpack-from-slash-attacks/)). With most individuals unaware, major cities such as Paris, [Rome](https://foxnomad.com/2025/04/24/how-safe-is-rome-really/), and [London](https://foxnomad.com/2025/02/06/how-to-protect-yourself-in-london-from-phone-snatching/) can serve as easy hunting grounds for criminals. However, there are countermeasures they prefer you remain oblivious to.
Here’s how to manage your cash to [outsmart even the most skilled pickpockets](https://youtu.be/XX_mNRccFY8?si=hpONMY7FCAcY8GW7).
**Diversify**
A strategy so straightforward it’s surprising more people overlook it – [split your cash](https://foxnomad.com/2015/05/19/what-to-do-with-all-the-random-currency-you-have-left-over-from-an-international-trip/) across several locations. Utilize [your wallet](https://foxnomad.com/2021/06/08/a-review-of-the-ridge-wallet-the-slim-way-to-carry-only-what-you-need/), additional pockets, socks, or [money](https://foxnomad.com/category/travel/money/) belts so that none of your funds are concentrated in one spot. This way, if you become a victim of theft, the losses from a successful pickpocketing are minimized. Keep your smallest denominations readily available while storing larger amounts in less-accessible spots. Only carry what you require and avoid putting it all in one location.
**Use The Fold, Luke**
Instead of [storing your cash](https://foxnomad.com/2024/02/29/why-you-should-never-convert-currencies-at-foreign-atms/) in a single hefty stack, divide it into folds of ones, fives, tens, and other bills. This allows you to extract only a small portion, even if everything is confined to one pocket. (Refer to [the video above](https://youtu.be/XX_mNRccFY8?si=841pv0khDoDuGtXC) for a demonstration.) Ingenious cash folds present another approach to mitigate the effects of any successful theft. Employing folds also means you need not pull out all your cash for each purchase, especially when you may only require a small amount. [Pickpockets are observing](https://foxnomad.com/2021/12/02/5-pickpocket-tricks-to-use-against-them-when-traveling/) so be cautious not to flaunt your valuables.
**Decoy The Day Away**
In certain areas, it might be beneficial to carry a [decoy wallet filled with some fake cards](https://foxnomad.com/2010/05/06/how-to-create-your-own-personal-travel-security-plan/). These can be purchased for just a few dollars and serve as convincing bait for a pickpocket or mugger. They are advantageous for occasions when you must quickly relinquish your purse or empty your pockets when faced with a threat. Keep a small sum of money in your decoy and part with it swiftly, secure in the knowledge that your true valuables remain safe with you.