Last week my wife, her mother, and I took off from Charlotte at 7:30 in the evening and arrived in Paris the next morning at 9:30. That’s six time-zones into the future.

If your wife speaks French it’s easier to ride the Metro, Paris’ subway system. Unfortunately, that’s also where the Parisian pickpockets report for work each day.

My wife and her mother each wore moneybelts installed under their clothing with only cash needed for the day in their purses. I, on the other hand, had abandoned my security folder in favor of my usual wallet.

We’re somewhere downtown. That could be anywhere in Paris whose four million residents seem never to sleep. The Metro cars pull up, discharge passengers, while those of us on the platform begin filing aboard the train. Did I say, "'filing' aboard?"

At this stop it seemed more like a pushing and shoving contest. Suddenly I hear a Frenchman yell, "Pickpocket!" Instantly my left hand reaches for my back pocket only to find someone else’s hand already there. What an odd feeling that is.

I grab my wallet firmly as a Frenchman seated near the door grabs the pickpocket’s other arm and holds on tightly. As the pickpocket manages to pull away, I breathe a sigh of relief, having outwitted the thief.

What’s this? A French woman is handing me something. Holy cow! It’s my S.C. Constable’s badge, police credentials and drivers license.

The pickpocket had first stolen my badge case. When he realized it contained no money, he threw it on the floor. I’d love to know what went through that pickpocket’s mind as he stared at my badge. The day was saved - for me at least - by two wonderful Parisians. The loss of my wallet and badge case would have reduced my week in Paris to something less than spectacular.

If you’re planning an overseas trip, check out security wallets in the luggage department of your discount store. Use them! You will not believe how slick these pickpockets are. They can spot an American a kilometer away.