Sounds like my daily commute on the 2/3 in Manhattan.

1. Keep wallet in vest pocket in leather jacket; pocket has a zipper.

2. Wallet is checkbook size, not back pocket size.

3. If not wearing jacket, then wallet in zipped up SA attache.

4. So tall that thieves have ergonomic issues trying to reach vest pockets.

Last year I was walking along busy downtown route with SA attache slung as backpack. Walked past a big window and saw the reflection of someone behind me with hand in top of backpack. Whatever he was after, he was having too much trouble reaching up so high to fish around for it without me noticing. Unfortunately for him, not only did I catch him in the act, but so did the plain clothes detective across the street. Funny how quick the crowd opened up to give us some confrontational space, just before the cop got there with cuffs in one hand and radio in the other. Stupid kid went to hoosgow and I didn't even have to testify, since the cop saw the whole shlemeegle.

Yet another alternative I have is a smaller messenger bag that I can throw over a shoulder that secures my goods when I travel. In any event, except for the one case of dumba$$ cited above, I've never had anyone else even try to pick my pockets here. I routinely carry between $20 and $200 in my front pocket loose, and even after pulling the wad in and out in front of everyone, nobody ever makes a try for it. I wouldn't recommend being this reckless to the average person; for me I think it is that my presence is intimidating enough that most just figure it isn't worth the risk.