By John Hutchinson for MailOnline
Published: 04:36 EST, 7 May 2015 | Updated: 05:12 EST, 7 May 2015
They are a scourge of modern tourism, trawling popular cities and attractions to make off with visitors' valuables.
But pickpockets can be beaten by a host of different tips and tricks - not to mention some quirky clothing solutions.
With secret zip pockets, hidden pouches and anti-slash straps, these items aim to keep travellers safe from bag snatchers and pickpockets all over the world.
As well as maintain our common sense, there are specially secure clothing we can wear to beat the pickpockets
So if you're the kind of person to have your head buried in a map, or more interested in street names than what's going on around you, these useful - and sometimes bizarre - pickpocket-proof clothing items could be just what you need.
Pick-pocket Proof Adventure Travel Trousers
With a host of zips, velcro strips and flaps to 'double lock' your pockets, these trousers are ideal for touring around cities.
And there are trousers for every occasion - business, pleasure and even shorts for the beach.
The trousers are designed so they look just like any other, but the pockets come with added security features
Adam Rapp, owner and designer of Clothing Arts, who specialise in the trousers, told MailOnline Travel: 'We have sold 35,000 pairs so far and ship to 60 countries worldwide.
'We believe our security clothing is the best in the world, and we have filled a vital gap in the market.'
Mr Rapp spoke of he first got involved in the idea when travelling in China, when underneath the bell tower in Xi'an, China, he was targetted by a pickpocket.
'Luckily they didn't manage to get anything, but it made me think, why do I have to wear a money belt when you should be able to keep valuables in your trousers,' he added.
1. Place your wallet in your front pocket instead of the back. Using an elastic band around the wallet will prevent it from smoothly sliding out your pocket as well.
Consider taking a dummy wallet with you, as most thieves will not look for another once they have found the first one. This can also work with a dummy old phone.
2. Spread your valuables instead of keeping them in once place.
If you are unlucky enough to be a victim of pickpocketing, and your ID, passport, cards and important documents are spread out, you will not lose everything in one go.
3. Do not accept food or drink from strangers who you've just met in hotels or on buses or trains.
4. Before travelling, research whether the destination is notorious for any particular scams. Embassy websites and online travel forums are particular good sources.
5. Carry a backup ATM or credit card in case you lose your main card.
6. Females should consider sewing a pocket into their bras for valuables, as thieves are well aware of money belts, and know how to target them.
7. When sat down keep your bag looped through your leg, or under a chair leg, to avoid someone making off with the whole bag.
8. Consider a slash free bag, to avoid pickpockets cutting into your belongings to extract valuables.
9. Don't draw attention to your belongings by letting pickpockets know where you are keeping each valuable.
10. Remain aware; pickpockets succeed by successfully misdirecting your attention, so be suspicious if someone tries to distract you during your day.
A number of different zips and flaps in the Adventure Travel Trousers mean a pickpocket would find it hard to spirit away valuables
'We sell trousers with multiple levels of protection for your valuables, from fold over flaps, to one, two or even three zip covers.'
The company are based out of Brooklyn, New York. The Pick-Pocket Proof Adventure Travel Pants retail at $109.95 (£72), the shorts from $84.95 (£56) and the women's pants from $99.95 (£66).
Hidden from view but able to feel it present, the hidden pockets on a T-shirt or vest are an excellent way secure your valuables.
CleverTravelCompanion.com market their clothing as 'comfy, inconspicuous, clever - the perfect theft and loss protection gear.'
The pocket on the front of the T-shirt blends into the rest of the fabric - but it's still advised to wear clothing over the top
The hidden pocket holds all your valuables safely when traveling; passport, credit cards and cash, even keys and cell phones fit and no one will ever be the wiser as to where you are hiding your items.
There is also a design with two smaller pockets. The clothes suit men as well as women, but sizing is men's.
CleverTravelCompanion.com also sell vests that ensure you can secure your valuables while on the beach
The T-shirts are meant to be worn underneath a second layer to hide the pocket, for extra security.
They sell for $29.90 (£20) and the U.S.-based company ship for free worldwide if the order is over $75 (£50).
The website states: 'The pocket naturally fits credit cards, passports and cash perfectly. Wearing a sweater or shirt on top of the t-shirt or tank top makes the pocket completely invisible and your valuables completely safe.'
It's unlikely a pickpocket would assume your valuables are in your sock
The Zip IT Pocket Sock
Unless the pickpocket is crawling along the floor, what better way to store your valuables than in your sock?
Zipitgear.com have produced socks that have a built-in compartment to store valuables. And the worry of the goods rubbing against the foot are taken away with a 'holofiber footbed that takes away any swelling.'
The Zip It pocket is large enough to carry and protect travel necessities, such as cash, credit card, ID and a key.
The socks, starting from $14.95 (£10) and shipped worldwide, are also quick-drying and can be washed at night and dry by morning.
Importantly so as to not be embarrassed at the airport, the nylon zipper will not set off metal detectors.
The socks have been tested by travellers to provide a comfortable fit. The quarter-height socks are designed to ensure that items in the pocket don't slip down or interfere with your travels.
The website states: 'Owner and inventor, Evan Papel, was pickpocketed one day traveling through Europe. Over a beer and what cash he had left, his idea for The Pocket Sock crossed his mind.
'Zip It Sox was born in 2002 and evolved to a travel accessories brand, Zip It Gear, distributed throughout the US and across a number of countries world wide.'
Keeping valuables in your bra
Obviously aimed at the female market, the Braza Secret Stash enables a woman to put valuables in a pouch that sits on the central part of the bra.
It is also great also for the beach, when traveling and for general convenience and security.
The sock-like pouch provides more comfort than simply storing lose valuables inside the bra
The case attaches to the bra, swimwear and other under garments, meaning you can always be close to your possessions.
The Joeybra is another invention that has pockets built into the straps of the bra. The design was started by a small Seattle, Washington based company, founded in 2012 by Mariah Gentry and Kyle Bartlow.
The Braza Secret Stash comes in colourful and smooth designs that sit nicely on the centre part of the bra
JoeyBra was created for women who are constantly on the go and struggle to find a place to put their ID, keys, or phones.
'Leaving these items at home can pose a safety risk, but with JoeyBra women will never have to worry losing or damaging their valuables again,' the website states.
The Joeybra retails from $29.99 (£20), with customers who have bought it rating it the maximum five stars.
Safe and sound - in your boxers
There would be some awkward looks if a pickpocket managed to snatch your valuables from this location.
Smugglingduds.com have designed a range of colourful and stylish boxer shorts that have a pocket attached to the front.
The chances are a pickpocket wouldn't be assuming you've hidden your valuables in this position
The pocket is most useful for storing cards and money, and designs are stylish and comfortable
The website reads: 'Our men's stash pocket boxer shorts and boxer briefs are all amazing, all comfortable and all with a little something extra.
'The hidden pocket is for your secrets: money, credit cards, condom... it’s up to you.'
The Anti-Theft bag has a slash-proof chain strap
The company are based out of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, and prices start from £15 ($23) for a pair of boxer shorts.
There are also 'international' designs that have hit the market; Brazilian, Canadian and Jamaican designed around the national countries' flag.
The Anti-Theft Classic Travel Bag
Featuring hidden, slash-proof, Chain Link construction and an adjustable, cable-reinforced, cut-proof shoulder strap, this is most secure of accessories designed by Travelon .
The roomy main compartment features a locking zipper and pockets for organization. The rear organizer is RFID blocking and includes slots for credit cards, and pockets for travel documents.
The zippered expansion pocket holds a camera, water bottle, or sunglasses.
One review wrote on the company's website: 'Love the safety features and quality construction. The adjustable strap makes it easy to go from shoulder to cross body bag. Love this bag! I recommend it!'
The bag also contains a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocker that can protect your passport and credit cards from the smartest of theft; from someone trying to 'scan' your possessions.
There are lots of places to store your valuables in inner zipped compartment, as well as a secure main zip
Is the Q.U.E.S.T Vest the best?
Designed by SCOTTeVEST, this design really has thought of it all in the quest to beat the pickpockets.
The vest has 42 well-balanced and perfectly organized pockets allow you to be prepared for anything.
This X-Ray view shows just what can be stored in the Q.U.E.S.T Vest
To consider an ever-changing technological world, the company considered a vast inventory of essential gadgets, devices and objects, then engineered the pockets and vest around them for a great fit and optimum comfort.
And of course outward pockets are secured by folding flap or zip, while interior pockets will also prove challenging for a pickpocket to master being the close-fitting of the vest.
So there are pockets sized to fit the usual valuables like your mobile phone, credit card and passport, but there are lower pockets capable of storing a tables and other handheld devices.
Importantly for the tourist, the vest maintains its element of fashion, with a lot of hidden intrigue
Some of the more interesting aspects of the vest are an RFID blocking pocket, preventing electronic theft, and a PAN (Personal Area Network) that allows the wearer to power their gadgets from other pockets via a battery pack.
The website states: 'Quite simply, the Q.U.E.S.T. Vest is designed to carry all the stuff you need, to do whatever you love. In a way, it's like a sleeveless security blanket… with 42 pockets.'
The introductory price is set at $145 (£95), and is available in beige or black, and the U.S. company ship worldwide.
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