Pickpocket Crews Lurk at Farragut North

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IF YOU'RE PASSING THROUGH a busy Metrorail station, be alert: You could be prey for a pickpocketing crew.

Recently, Metro Transit Police have seen an increase in pickpocketing activity at the Farragut North station, one of the system's busiest and most congested. It's the perfect environment for teams of pickpocketers to do their work.

According to an e-mail sent out by the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District:

According to Metro Police, pickpockets usually work in areas where there are large crowds. Many times, the victim is unaware that a crime has occurred until later. Professional pickpockets often try to blend in with the crowd and generally work in pairs. One pickpocket creates a diversion (usually by accidentally bumping into the victim) while the other pickpocket takes the wallet. The crime usually takes a split second. Some pickpockets use the information in the wallet for identity theft.

» Keep purses and backpacks closed and close to your body.
» Carry wallets and other valuables inside coat or side trouser pockets and never in rear trouser pockets.

Although the system has a low crime rate, Metro recently reported that 2007 saw an 18 percent increase in robberies.

» EARLIER: "By the Numbers: Metro's Robbery Rates" [Free Ride/Express]