How it works:
- Opening: someone squirts ketchup or a white substance resembling bird droppings on your shirt without you realizing it. Next, he points it out to you and helps you clean up with tissues.
- Set-up: in the process, they steal any valuables they can find from your pockets, or distract you so an accomplice can steal your unattended bag.
Places to beware:
- Lima: Miraflores Boardwalk
What to do:
- React: reject any help and quickly move to a safe spot – while moving, check that your valuables are still intact.
- 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 (e.g. World Nomads, trusted by Lonely Planet and National Geographic – review).
