Be Aware
Protect Yourself from Theft
Thieves use a variety of tactics and distractions to relieve you of your personal items. As part of a nationwide operation, our 'Be Aware' campaign is designed to help you keep your valuables safe from gadget-grabbers, luggage thieves and pickpockets while you travel on the rail network.
Gadget-grabbers tactics
- The Plucker – Thief selects a victim who has fallen asleep in their seat: they can then quickly steal the victim’s phone without waking them.
- The Grabber – Thief watches as victim is distracted and puts their phone on a seat or table. The thief then walks by and steals it.
- The Snatcher – Thief stands by the exit and times the theft carefully: waiting until the train is about to depart, the thief snatches the phone from the victim’s hands and runs out as the doors close behind them.
Be mindful and aware of what’s going on around you.
Switch on or install a tracker application on your smartphone, which could help trace your device if it’s stolen.
Luggage-lifters tactics
- The sleeper – A thief, or group of thieves, moves down the train looking for sleeping people to steal from.
- The earlybird – Thief boards the train at the start of the journey: they take a bag and leave the train before it’s departed.
- The wait-lifter – Thief looks for a victim in a café. While victim is distracted with their order, they steal the luggage and fall back into the crowd.
Keep luggage with you whenever possible and regularly check on your stored bags at stops.
Pickpocket’s tactics
- The shield – Thief uses a coat, bag or newspaper to shield their actions.
- The distraction – One thief asks the victim for help whilst another steals the item.
- The blocker – One thief will block the victim from moving forward whilst the other takes the item, A third thief may prevent the victim moving sideways.
Keep your valuables safe from pickpockets by zipping them away after use. We’re more likely to recover your property if you have marked it properly. Register your phone and other electrical gadgets at immobilise.com.
Our officers can provide a wealth of help and advice on way in which you can reduce your risk of theft.