Being one of those... "victims" of a pickpocket my first time around in Madrid, I have taken to offering a "decoy wallet" which is worth about $2, and has basically one piece of paper inside of it. A piece of typing paper on which I have outlined my hand, with "one finger extended." At least I'll get the last laugh on the SOBs, since that finger has really become an International symbol, identifiable everywhere

Wolf

Love it!!

I have an e-friend who lives in Kentucky, USA and he lived with his family in Madrid during the 50s (father was in the military).

He told me a particularly funny story about how he and his "runnin' buddies" about the same age (12-15 years old) were doing their usual summer thing strolling (or "trolling") the streets of Madrid. He felt someone's hand in his pocket, looked, and saw the man running away. Shortly thereafter he saw the man drop that which he "lifted" from the pocket; RUBBER DOG CRAP which he (the boy) had bought earlier that summer at El Rastro. The boys laughed about that for hours.

I love the rubber dog stuff approach! Now if you really want to shock some "would be pickpocket," men, why not cut the pockets completely out?

Now that might make them think twice before reaching inside and fishing around for someone else's wallet

Wolf

Recently I was in the lingerie department of a major deartment store and i noticed at the counter a small zipper pouch that can attaches to your bra much like one that would attach onto your belt. It is only big enough to hold maybe a driver's licence and/or some money. But one thing is for sure, you'd notice if somebody was trying to get at it!