KL is generally a safe city of tourists. You are able to stay out till the early hours of the morning without worry about getting mugged.
SNATCH THIEVES
The most common, and dangerous criminal to watch out for is the snatch thief. They operate in two ways.
The first method is to ride a motocycle and come in behind you. They will then attempt to grab your bag. If you do not release your bag or if the strap gets entangled with your arm, you will be dragged along the road. A number of people have died due to the fall and the head hitting the ground.
The second method is the criminal walks along roadside cafes and looks out for bags, handphones..etc placed on chairs or on the table. He will then snatch these and run off to a waiting motorcycle and speed off.
The third method is they will literally come up to you on deserted streets and ask you for money.
The way to minimise the risk of being snatched is not to carry a bag. If you have to, make sure its not facing the road making it an easy snatch target.
PICKPOCKETS
Pickpockets are less of a problem here in Kuala Lumpur. When these do occur, they occur at busy and crowded places like the LRT stations or even discos and night spots.Some say putting your wallet in the front pocket makes it harder for the pickpocket to steal from you.
LUGGAGE THEFT
There has been incidents where bags were stolen in the baggage claim areas. Usually what happens is that the owner will put his passport bag, clutch bag, notebook bag..etc on the trolley while he goes to retrieve his luggage from the carousel. While he is not looking, some one will lift his bag from the trolley and walk away, leaving the poor bloke without his passport and sometimes his money. Keeping a close watch on your belongings is highly recommended in this case.
SPIKED DRINKS
This is more common sense. Do not leave your drink unattended at discos and night spots. If you have to leave your drink, say to go to the toilet, have someone you trust look over it, or, order another one when you come back. This is true especially for females.
