Quite right; I've heard that same warning before, and nowadays if I feel the urge to check my pockets, I check all of them in no particular order.
I've traveled extensively and never had my pocket picked -- a little planning goes a long way.
I don't flash valuables or any large amount of cash, I keep money separated into "using in the next few hours" in an accessible-but-somewhat-safe location (like deep in a front jeans pocket) vs. "needs to last until we find another ATM" someplace that's hard to access even for me, but I can still keep an eye on (e.g., not a backpack on my back: I imagine someone just slipping a blade down the side of a backpack, then just watching to see what falls out...).
Related: choose traveling companions who keep their wits about them, and who will keep an eye out for you (as you watch out for them).
It also probably helps that I'm tall and athletic -- I suspect many pickpockets would generally avoid people who might successfully chase them down after a bungled attempt.
I've traveled extensively and never had my pocket picked -- a little planning goes a long way.
I don't flash valuables or any large amount of cash, I keep money separated into "using in the next few hours" in an accessible-but-somewhat-safe location (like deep in a front jeans pocket) vs. "needs to last until we find another ATM" someplace that's hard to access even for me, but I can still keep an eye on (e.g., not a backpack on my back: I imagine someone just slipping a blade down the side of a backpack, then just watching to see what falls out...).
Related: choose traveling companions who keep their wits about them, and who will keep an eye out for you (as you watch out for them).
It also probably helps that I'm tall and athletic -- I suspect many pickpockets would generally avoid people who might successfully chase them down after a bungled attempt.