” “Tips for the pilgrims in the event of thefts, fires and even a free hotline for homesick or depressed ones to give vent to their feelings. These are supplied by the WYD organisers in the guidebook for the pilgrims, who by now have flocked in from all German dioceses to Cologne, filling up stations, squares and streets in huge numbers. This is why the police are taking pains to recommend boys and girls to carry their money and documents in their inner pockets, keep their rucksacks under their arms, be "particularly wary when someone is trying to distract you", learn by heart their credit card PINs. The police reminding them this usually happens in such crowded and confused conditions as these also informed the pilgrims of the different techniques used by pickpockets, such as a group with someone distracting the victim while another robs him and another one takes hold of the loot. The guidebook also gives advice on how to behave in the event of a fire or accident, by supplying useful numbers and practical tips, such as the curios practice of hanging sheets in front of the windows to show to the firemen where people in danger are to be found. But the real news is the "personal advice hotline". "Are you depressed? Are you homesick? Do you feel lonely? Do you feel like talking with someone?", if people recognise themselves in these behaviours, they can find in the guidebook a hotline number to talk with someone, day or night, and tell them how they feel and relieve their pains. The service is available in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian.
