Because the metro is a very crowded and busy public place, the police officers urge you to be careful and follow this advice:

• Pickpockets
• Bullying
• Ideal pickpocketing locations

Pickpockets

• Always carry your purse or backpack close to your body and in front
• Make sure all of the pockets on your bag are completely closed
• Never leave your personal effects on the bench next to you; you could fall asleep and it would be easy to snatch them
• Keep your money in a hard-to-reach place, away from your credit cards
• Prepare your money in advance before you get on the bus or enter the metro, so you can avoid opening your purse or wallet in public
• Carry only the documents you need with you (for example, if you won’t be driving, don’t bring your driver’s license)
• If you are robbed, contact your financial institution immediately to report the theft of your cards; then ask a police officer to write a report so you will not be subject to more fraud

iPod

• Be especially careful with your valuables (MP3 player, iPod, cell phone, etc.)
• Don't use your iPod in places where you might be vulnerable. Just seeing the earphones can encourage thieves to act.
• Listening to loud music can prevent you from sensing danger. Keep the volume down far enough that you can hear what is going on around you.
• Engrave your iPod with a driver's license number, so we can trace it back to you more easily.
• Report the theft. It is important for us to have as much information as possible about the suspect(s), including a physical description and the direction they ran.

Bullying

• If you are travelling alone, choose a car where there are already several people
• When you leave the station, use well-lit streets; avoid alleys
• If you are a woman, use the STM’s Between Stops service
• In a crowd, pay attention when someone is standing very close to you or when you are jostled

Ideal pickpocketing locations

Some areas are very tempting for pickpockets, so you should be especially careful when you are in the following places:

• Outdoor activities and shows
• Public markets
• Waiting lines
• Traffic lights
• Escalators
• Rush hour in public transit
• Food courts
• Major public parking lots

With a little vigilance, you can use the public transit system to take full advantage of activities in Montréal, without having anyone rob you…of your fun.

Alternate information

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