I just watched some video on professional pick pocketers and it gives a lot of pointers on how to avoid problems. However, it appears that most of these professionals work in groups and are very good at what they do by putting the victims at ease. And it appears it does not matter where you stash your money, these professionals are so good that they can get to it.

I am always worried now when people are too friendly especially when I do not know who they are even those I may have seen out and about in town. There are so many people who moving into town and moving out of town so it is difficult to figure out exactly how trustworthy they are.
I guess a better question would be how to avoid people who do that for a living since they are always looking for a victim.