I've come to the conclusion it is very difficult to stop pickpockets. For instance -- crowding you when getting on or off a train/subway etc. I read about this happening at Amtrak's Union Station in Chicago, it's not just Europe. So -- my suggestion is: If you've got a hotel safe (and think it is safe), leave stuff there you don't need. I'm going to carry an old wallet stuffed with paper, old plastic cards, etc. My assumption is that a pickpocket will be after my wallet, and finding it will get away quickly. I also plan to distribute anything valuable around my person, eg not all my money in one pocket. I also plan to save receipts for any money I've exchanged, so if worse comes to worse I have some proof. Comments? Additional ideas? Thanks. Doug Birmingham, England