How it works:
- Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g. jacket/newspaper) and escapes.
- Version 2: a magazine or sticker seller displays magazines over your table, using them as a cover to steal any valuables left on the table.
- Version 3: bird poo scam.
Places to beware:
- Bogota: Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), Mount Monserrate, Barrio La Candelaria, Parque Central Simon Bolivar, Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquen, Ciclovia de Bogota, Plaza de Bolivar, Plaza Del Chorro Del Quevedo, Iglesia Basilica del Senor de Monserrate, Mercado de las pulgas, La Macarena, Capitolio Nacional
- Cartagena: Walled City of Cartagena, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Bairro Getsemani, Torre del Reloj, Plaza de San Diego, Plaza Bolivar, Plaza de La Trinidad, La Gorda Gertrudis
- Medellin: Medellin Metrocable, Jardin Botanico de Medellin, Museo de Antioquia, Metro de Medellin, Plaza Botero, Parque Lleras, Parque El Poblado
- Pereira: Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty Pereira
- Others: TransMilenio, Montserrate cable car, Festival de Flores (August), Reinada Parade
What to do:
- Passport: carry a photocopy instead of the actual one.
- Valuables: wallet in front pocket, small valuables in a money belt/hidden pouch, large valuables in an anti-theft bag.
- Travel insurance: get a good one that covers theft – check out the various travel insurance comparison platforms to find the best deal that works for you.
