Carry as little money as possible, keep some aside to use in an emergency, and never count your money in public. Don't put a wallet with money in your back pocket. If you carry a purse, buy a sturdy one with a secure clasp, and carry it crosswise on the side, away from the street with the clasp against you. Secure packs with small combination padlocks which slip through the two zippers. A money belt, a nylon, zippered pouch with a belt that sits inside the waist of your pants or skirt, combines con- venience and security; you can buy one at most camping supply stores. A neck pouch is equally safe, though far less accessible. Refrain from pulling out your neck pouch in public. Avoid keeping anything precious in a fanny-pack : your valuables will be highly visible and easy to steal. Many hostels and hotels in Israel have secure and reliable safes that are worth the nominal charge. CON ARTISTS AND PICKPOCKETS. Among the more colorful aspects of large cities are con artists. Con artists and hustlers often work in groups, and chil- dren are among the most effective. They possess an innumerable range of ruses. Be aware of certain classics: sob stories that require money, rolls of bills "found" on the street, mustard spilled onto your shoulder dis- tracting you for enough time to snatch your bag. Be especially suspicious in unexpected situations. Do not respond or make eye contact, walk away, and keep a solid grip on your belongings. Contact the police if a hustler is particu- larly insistent or aggressive. In crowds and especially on public transportation, pickpockets are amazingly deft at their craft. Rush hour is no excuse for strangers to press up against you on the bus. If someone stands uncomfortably close, move away and hold your bags tightly. Pickpocketing is particularly common in the crowded markets, where you'll barely be able to tell where your own hands are. If you're headed for the markets, leave whatever you don't need somewhere safe. Also, be alert in public telephone booths. If you must say your calling card number, do so very quietly; if you punch it in, make sure no one can look over your shoulder. ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION. Never leave your belongings unat- tended; crime occurs in even the most demure-looking hostel or hotel. Bring your own padlock for hostel lockers, and don't ever store valuables in any locker. Be particularly careful on buses and trains; horror stories abound about deter- mined thieves who wait for travelers to fall asleep. Carry your backpack in front of you where you can see it. When traveling with others, sleep in alternate shifts. When alone, use good judgement in selecting a train compartment: never stay in an empty one, and use a lock to secure your pack to the luggage rack. Try to sleep on top bunks with your luggage stored above you , and keep important documents and other valuables on your person. К traveling by car, don't leave valuables in it while you are away.