Brief: To find a solution that addresses the problem of pick-pocketing of tourists.

Scenario:
thefts are very common in some cities in European countries which resulted in many tourists being pick-pocketed, only to realize it too late. There are many anti-theft devices/wallets in the market which notifies the user when the wallet is too far away from them by either vibrating or ringing. A gps is also embedded to track the location of it.

However,  I feel that one problem of these wallets or devices to be put into the wallets is that they are without a lock (just like a typical wallet). Thieves can just take out the cash & cards and simply dump the wallet away somewhere and this action just takes about a few seconds. By the time the user has managed to tracked down the wallet, it might be too late. Also, the environment might be too crowded and noisy to identify the thief immediately so the alarms might not be that useful.

Approach:
To redesign a wallet for travelers that not only has a GPS tracker but also a lock. A lock deters thieves from opening the wallet and being able to buy some time before the wallet is tracked down. Lock has to be easily open by the user so it does not become a hassle for the user yet at the same time hard for thieves to crack. Material of the wallet also has to be light but strong to ensure that it is not easily cracked open by tools such as a hammer or saw. A loud alarm would be sounded if they try to do so and this would help in locating it too.

Feasibility:
Current wallets with embedded GPS and Bluetooth that pairs with smartphones are already in the market. The challenge is to integrate a secure locking system into it. (Perhaps the wallet could be paired to a smart phone which uses a pattern lock to unlock it? or scan it using a smartphone to unlock?)

Objective:
To decrease the number of pickpocket victims & allow travelers to enjoy their trip knowing that their valuables are in good hands.

Some research regarding pick-pocketing:
-Paris
They say that Paris is a city for lovers. That reputation may help explain why it is one of the world’s leading pickpocketing sites. The lovers walk around in a haze as they enjoy their romances, which makes them easy marks for the thieves who patrol the city’s streets. They are especially prevalent on the city’s metro lines. The crowded trains make it easy for them to operate without getting caught. People are packed in so tight that it can be difficult to notice someone’s hand reaching into your pocket.
-Barcelona
This beautiful Spanish seaside city hides a danger underneath its surface. It is notorious for thieves who like to prey on unsuspecting tourists. The large crowds and boisterous noise provide the perfect environment for pickpockets to operate.
-Madrid
Spain can be proud of many things, but having two cities among the top five most notorious pickpocket locations in the world is not one of them. The Spanish capital of Madrid is also one of the world’s pick-pocketing capitals. The metro and the markets are the locations where tourists need to be especially careful to guard themselves against the sticky fingers of petty thieves.
(source: 10 worst cities in the world for pick-pocketing)

-Child pick pockets in europe: http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/category/pickpockets/tip/child-pickpockets-in-europe-a-real-life-charles-dickens-story

Pickpocket stats:

-During the 2012 Olympics, reported incidents of pickpocketing rose to 1,700 per day in London.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2175867/London-Olympics-2012-As-1-700-fall-victim-pickpockets-day-Eastern-European-gangs-it.html

-The UK averages about 600,000 pickpocket incidents each year.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/352948/1-600-victims-a-day-of-street-cri

-Pickpocket guru and sleight of hand Bob Arno estimates almost 6,000 incidents happen daily, but many go unreported and that 1 out of every 4 tourists will be pickpocketed this year in Barcelona.
http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/barcelona-pickpocket-problem/

-33% of all travel insurance claims are for lost or stolen possessions.
http://visual.ly/travelling-uninsured-are-you-brave-enough-take-risk

-NYPD reports 3,000 pickpocket incidents a month in New York City. Again most go unreported.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cscity.pdf

 -Each day an estimated 400 000 pick pocket incidents occur around the world.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/how-to-send-the-pickpockets-packing-233422.html

 -Pickpocketing thefts increased by 20% in London from 2010-2012.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444032404578006342891345784.html