Summer is approaching. It's around this time of year that families contact me about travel safety for their children.

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My role here is to help young people be aware of key risks and dangers from a personal safety perspective, so that when they head for summer holidays or get ready for gap year travel they are more alert and more streetwise.

Now, one of the general crimes that can target young people, tourists or executives in London, or other urban environments around the world, is pickpocketing.

This crime may not generate the same level of concern as knife crime or terror attacks, both of which I do address in training, but bear in mind pickpocketing is very prevalent in cities around Europe.

It's also a crime that can cause incredible stress. It can disrupt a holiday and, along with financial loss, it can expose one's data. This is especially important in these times, for those working in organisations where any key pieces of information can be used by more organised criminals as a way to find vulnerabilities in infrastructure and digital networks.

Today, let's take a closer look at how to artfully dodge the ghost-like hands of these slippery street thieves...

The look: When the word pickpocket is mentioned, what image comes to your mind? Today, with so much shared on social media, I am sure for most people the image of the pickpocket in London is no longer that traditional Dickensian image of Fagin's gang of street urchins, as portrayed in Oliver Twist.

Even though I just asked that question and no doubt many people will give accurate descriptions or templates of how today's street thieves often look, it's worth noting that the 'look' of the pickpocket is far more diverse...

Pickpockets today vary. You will get some who do look dishevelled and desperate; others may appear to dress like well-dressed tourists. Again, just be aware they will be doing as much as they can to blend in and look unassuming. These thieves can be from different ethnic groups, different genders and of various ages. Their demeanour may appear friendly or as if they are trying to be........

© LBC