Should you’re planning a visit to Europe you’ve undoubtedly been warned concerning the hazard of pickpockets. It is very important be vigilant as a result of hundreds of vacationers are victims of pickpockets every year—nobody needs to spend their hard-earned trip canceling their bank cards, changing their passports, and discovering different means to entry cash.
Fortunately, there are a lot of issues you are able to do to discourage your self from changing into a pickpocketing sufferer. This information will clarify the place pickpockets work, who they aim, the completely different strategies they use, and methods to guard your self.
The Most Widespread Cities for Pickpockets
Whereas pickpockets may be present in almost any metropolis, the most important concentrations are in cities that entice essentially the most vacationers (no shock there).
Here’s a checklist of pickpocket hotspots in Europe:
- Barcelona, Spain
- Rome, Italy
- Paris, France
- Madrid, Spain
- Athens, Greece
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Florence, Italy
- London, England
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
However don’t assume that pickpocketing solely happens in huge cities. I’ve a good friend who even had his pockets stolen in a small city in Switzerland.
Who Are Pickpockets?
Most individuals assume pickpockets are sketchy-looking males, however numerous pickpockets are literally younger ladies and boys—often round 10-16 years previous. Most vacationers don’t suspect {that a} younger baby would steal from them in order that they let their guard down.
Moreover, police can’t actually arrest minors, and most don’t journey with any identification, so even when they’re caught the police often must allow them to go. Different occasions, pickpockets are well-dressed and also you’d by no means anticipate them to be thieves.
Pickpockets nearly at all times work in teams. One or two individuals will do one thing to distract you whereas one other member tries to take your stuff.
As soon as the theft has occurred, the thief who stole the merchandise will typically hand it off to another person and so they’ll all run in separate instructions. This makes it very arduous to trace the perpetrator.
The place Do Pickpockets Goal?
It’s no shock that almost all thieves goal locations which can be busy/chaotic and have a whole lot of vacationers.
Listed here are a number of spots the place you have to be additional vigilant:
Prime Vacationers Points of interest
Whether or not it’s the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Trevi Fountain in Rome, or Charles Bridge in Prague, it isn’t a shock that pickpockets hand around in busy vacationer spots. Naturally, vacationers are extra involved about viewing the sights and taking photographs than taking note of their environment.
Public Transportation
Subways and metropolis buses are prime spots for pickpockets—and after residing in Paris, I’ve seen my share of pickpockets on the Paris Metro. Public transportation is a superb place for a pickpocket as a result of it’s typically very crowded and it’s simple for thieves to create confusion.
Pickpockets usually goal massive metro/subway stations the place many transit traces converge as a result of it provides them loads of locations to exit in the event that they’re being chased.
Pay additional consideration throughout rush hour occasions and on routes that result in the preferred vacationer sights.
Museums
Europe’s hottest museums swell to most capability (particularly throughout the summer season) and there are sure to be a number of pickpockets among the many lot. Whereas the admission value deters most pickpockets, it doesn’t cease all of them from preying on unsuspecting guests who’re merely having fun with the artwork.
In reality, in 2013, the employees on the Louvre in Paris went on strike as a result of the pickpockets had been getting so unhealthy.
Practice Stations
Practice stations are massive, crowded, and filled with confused vacationers with their arms filled with cumbersome baggage—which is strictly the sort of surroundings pickpockets love.
Eating places, Cafés, and Bars
Many individuals let their guard down once they’re having fun with a meal or a drink, so it’s simple for a criminal to sneakily snatch a handbag from the again of a chair or a cell phone from the highest of a desk.
You should definitely by no means depart your cellphone on the desk or your bag/purse unattended.
The Seashore
Take note of your stuff while you’re on the seashore. Don’t depart your bag unattended or out of sight as a result of there’s a good probability somebody would possibly snatch it up. The seashores in Barcelona are particularly recognized for pickpockets.
Retail Shops
Clothes and malls in Europe can get extraordinarily crowded—particularly across the holidays. These are simple locations for pickpockets to focus on vacationers who are often carrying some huge cash.
The Sneaky Tips Pickpockets Use To Steal Your Stuff
Distraction is the one tactic that every one pickpockets use. They need to distract your consideration simply lengthy sufficient to take your stuff. The next strategies are well-known ways in which pickpockets and thieves steal from vacationers.
“Charity” Employee with Clipboards
This rip-off could be very common in Paris. It almost at all times includes a bunch of younger ladies with clipboards. They’ll method you and level to a clipboard whereas signaling that they’re deaf and mute. They need you to signal a petition for charity. Should you signal, they’ll ask for a donation to the charity. In fact, the “charity” is faux — in truth, the cash typically goes to those ladies’ “boss” (i.e. human traffickers). Whereas the vacationer is signing/studying the petition, there’s typically an confederate attempting to pickpocket the sufferer.
Crowd the Metro
The metro (subway) trains can get very crowded. A typical tactic is for a bunch of 4-6 children to push on a crowded practice shortly earlier than the doorways shut and crowd their goal. They’ll swipe what they’re attempting to steal after which all of them hop off proper because the doorways start to shut. By the point the sufferer realizes what occurred, it’s too late and the practice has already left the station.
All the time be cautious when a bunch of individuals crowds onto an already busy metro automobile. Even be cautious of anybody who’s standing very near you on a practice that isn’t crowded, as they may be as much as no good.
Sidewalk Cafe Seize
Pay additional consideration to your cellphone and purse/bag everytime you’re consuming or consuming at a restaurant. Pay double consideration while you’re at a sidewalk cafe as this is likely one of the most typical locations to get your stuff swiped.
Metro Smartphone Seize
Individuals are likely to zone out whereas they’re speaking or texting on their telephones. Be very cautious about utilizing your cellphone when you’re standing close to the door of a subway automobile. Thieves will attain in and snatch your cellphone proper because the doorways shut.
Assist with Your Bag
Some metro stations have plenty of stairs so “good samaritans” will seize ahold of your suitcase that can assist you carry it up the steps. This often takes individuals off guard just a little and that is when their good friend reaches into your purse or pocket. There are literally a whole lot of good individuals who will provide to assist carry a heavy suitcase, however they’ll ask you earlier than grabbing onto your bag.
Bump and Elevate
While you’re surrounded by crowds, it isn’t unusual to by accident stumble upon different individuals. Nevertheless, this can be a frequent transfer carried out by pickpockets, so if somebody bumps into you, it may be sensible to take a fast stock of your belongings.
Escalator Backup
Escalators are one other space that pickpockets goal as a result of it’s simple to create chaos. With this rip-off, there can be one or two individuals in entrance of the goal and some others behind the goal. Somebody close to the highest of the escalator will cease proper once they get off and this can create an enormous backup of individuals attempting to get off. Because the backup happens, the individuals behind the goal will attain into the goal’s bag/pocket and hand off the products to one in all his buddies behind him. I’ve additionally seen it the place they’ve handed off the products to somebody on the alternative escalator, so it’s nearly inconceivable to chase them.
Newspaper/Map Distraction
A typical pickpocket tactic includes utilizing a big map or a newspaper to cowl the goal’s line of sight to take issues out of their bag. They’ll typically shove the map in your face, level to part of the map, after which their good friend will attain below the paper so you possibly can’t see what they’re taking. This can be a quite common method that folks steal cell phones from tables.
ATM Confusion
All the time watch out when utilizing the ATM — particularly while you’re alone. When you’re within the technique of withdrawing cash, a bunch of beggars will method you from behind to attempt to get your consideration. They may pull in your arm or shove a bit of paper in entrance of the display screen. Should you flip towards one of many thieves, one other one will slip in from the opposite aspect and press the button for the utmost amount of money. Then they’ll swipe the cash and run away.
Additionally, remember to cowl up your PIN code while you enter it. Some thieves will attempt to see your code (some even use hidden cameras) after which they’ll comply with you round for an opportunity to steal your card.
Ticket Machines Dupe
All the time be just a little leery of people that attempt that can assist you at ticket machines. I do know some individuals who received scammed in Paris by a well-dressed man who “helped” them purchase Metro tickets. The guests wished to purchase two 5-day passes, which value about 30€/every, so the person supplied to make use of his bank card as a result of he instructed them Australian playing cards don’t work within the machines. He mentioned that they might simply pay him in money.
He did purchase the tickets… however he purchased them a one-way baby’s ticket (which appears to be like similar to a 5-day go) that prices about 1€ and he pocketed 60€ in money from them.
The Useful Vacationer
Don’t let pickpockets reap the benefits of your good nature. On this rip-off, one of many scammers will drop one thing in entrance of you and whilst you’re serving to them decide up the mess, the opposite pickpocket will swoop in and raise one thing out of your bag. That doesn’t imply you possibly can’t assist your fellow man, however simply watch out about your individual stuff whereas doing it.
Slashed Bag
Whereas uncommon, some pickpockets don’t even trouble attempting to steal your bag and they’ll merely slash it open with a knife. Pacsafe makes a variety of slash-proof luggage for additional safety.
Turnstile Stall
Busy turnstiles are a typical space for pickpockets to strike. As you’re approaching a turnstile, one particular person will lower in entrance of you after which proceed to cease (they could faux that the machine isn’t working) and their companion will come up behind you — primarily trapping you between the 2 of them. The particular person within the again will raise one thing out of your bag or pocket whereas his companion within the entrance is fumbling with the turnstile.
Scooter Snatch and Run
Whereas not tremendous frequent, some thieves will drive up on a scooter, snatch a bag from the sufferer’s shoulder, after which experience off into the sundown. I wouldn’t be too anxious about this system, however it may possibly occur.
Road Performances
Many avenue performances entice massive crowds of vacationers—which might typically entice loads of pickpockets as properly (typically they’re all working collectively).
Pretend Battle
A big group of males would possibly begin a “battle” round a vacationer, and in all of the commotion one of many males will try and pickpocket the goal.
Who Do Pickpockets Goal?
Anybody could be a potential goal of a pickpocket, however they do have a tendency to focus on sure kinds of individuals. Pickpockets will at all times search for the best goal as a result of they don’t desire a confrontation.
Vacationers
Duh, proper? However vacationers = cash to pickpockets. Should you appear to be a vacationer, you’re robotically going to be singled out. Try my article on methods to not gown like a vacationer in Europe.
Individuals With a Lot of Baggage
You’re going to be a main goal for a pickpocket in case you are pulling alongside two large suitcases and have a backpack. You received’t be capable to watch over all of your issues since you’ve gotten a lot stuff and also you’re a slow-moving goal.
So pack gentle!
Try my Backpacking Europe Packing Listing and Journey Europe Packing Listing for Girls to get some recommendations on packing gentle and see my information to the greatest journey backpacks to see my favourite journey luggage.
Guests from Asia
Asian guests (particularly Chinese language) are a best choice for pickpockets as a result of many Chinese language vacationers are very rich. Moreover, numerous Chinese language residents don’t have quick access to credit score and debit playing cards in order that they carry massive quantities of money—and thieves know this.
So even when you’re not Chinese language, however have Asian heritage, you would possibly need to be particularly cautious because you may be extra more likely to be focused.
Individuals Who Flash Valuables
Strolling alone at night time whereas utilizing your iPhone? Don’t be stunned if somebody takes it from you.
Trusting Individuals
From all my travels, I’ve not often met a extra pleasant bunch than the Australians. I’ve additionally by no means met one other group of people that’ve been victims of pickpockets extra typically than Australians. I feel the individuals who assume everybody else round them is good and useful are those who get taken benefit of most frequently.
How To Defend Your self From Pickpockets
Should you’ve made it this far, you may be pondering that there are millions of pickpockets attempting to rob each vacationer in Europe. However that isn’t the case and also you’ll not often have any issues when you take a number of additional precautions.
Additionally it is essential to keep in mind that precise violent crime is low in Europe so there’s a very low probability of something taking place to you.
On this part, we’ll speak concerning the steps you possibly can take to keep away from changing into a sufferer.
Pickpocket-Proof Journey Clothes
Firms are beginning to make journey clothes safety features which can be nice for deterring would-be thieves.
One in every of my favourite manufacturers of anti-theft journey clothes is Bluffworks — they make journey pants, and, journey vests even journey fits which have hidden-zippered pockets. And, better of all, all their merchandise appear to be regular clothes that you just’d put on on daily basis however are made out of high-tech materials.
Bluffworks additionally has modern ladies’s anti-theft journey clothes that’s value trying out.
Pickpocket-Proof Luggage
If you wish to be additional protected, you may get your self a specifically designed “pickpocket-proof” backpack, bag, or purse.
The most well-liked anti-theft luggage are made by Pacsafe. Their luggage have tamper-proof zippers, cut-proof straps, anchored straps, and a slash-proof metallic mesh sewn into the bag.
Zippered Purse
The most effective methods to maintain your valuables safe is to have a handbag/bag with a zipper. I like to recommend conserving valuables in inside zipped compartments if doable.
Put on a Cash Belt
A cash belt is likely one of the most safe methods to hold valuables like more money and your passport. Nevertheless, many vacationers make the error of pondering that they need to use their cash belt like a pockets — nevertheless it isn’t meant for that.
Ideally, you must preserve the cash and debit/bank cards that you just’re going to wish for the day in your pockets after which preserve all additional money and possibly a backup bank card within the cash belt. The cash belt must be worn below your garments and must be pretty inconvenient to entry (to discourage thieves).
There are a number of types of cash belts out there:
- Across the Waist — That is the normal fashion of cash belt. You put on it below your shirt and round your waist.
- Across the Neck — Cash belts that cling round your neck are one other good choice. These are lots simpler to entry (particularly when you put on them below a button-up shirt).
- Hidden Pocket — These hidden pocket cash belts are good as a result of they tuck into your pant leg and I feel they’re extra comfy than one which goes round your waist.
- Belt with Pocket — Should you simply need to stash some money, you should use a belt with a hidden pocket built-in.
Restrict What You Carry
Pickpockets can’t steal what you don’t have—fairly easy. That’s the reason I want to hold little or no whereas I’m sightseeing. I particularly suggest not carrying a whole lot of money.
Safe Your Bag/Backpack
Your bag or backpack might be essentially the most susceptible space that pickpockets love to focus on. Backpacks are particularly susceptible as a result of you possibly can’t see if somebody is attempting to get into it. Listed here are some suggestions for securing your bag.
- Put on Your Bag Backwards — On crowded public transportation, lots of people put on their luggage backward as a result of this enables them to keep watch over them.
- Lock Your Bag’s Zippers — At a minimal, you’ll need to lock your zippers. You don’t want something fancy — a easy baggage lock will work properly.
- Use A Sling Backpack — Sling backpacks are good as a result of they keep near your physique and they are often slung over your chest simply if wanted. They do are usually small, so that you’ll have hassle when you plan on carrying a whole lot of stuff with you. Right here is an instance of a sling backpack, however there are a lot of types out there.
- Safe Your Bag To An Immovable Object — While you’re at a restaurant, loop your bag’s strap round your leg or your chair leg so somebody can’t come by and swipe the bag. Equally, it’s sensible to safe your bag to a chair or baggage rack whilst you’re on a practice — particularly on in a single day trains. A retractable cable lock will present sufficient safety to discourage most thieves however looping it round your chair is far simpler.
Hold Your Pockets in Entrance Pocket
Quite a lot of guys preserve their wallets of their again pockets, however that is an especially simple goal for a pickpocket. And that’s the reason it’s advisable to maintain your pockets in your entrance pocket. I extremely suggest getting an excellent skinny pockets as a result of a cumbersome pockets feels very unusual in your entrance pocket — and it appears to be like sort of dumb. The Large Skinny Multi-Pocket Bifold Pockets will get a whole lot of nice critiques for having a low profile.
Hold Your Telephone Off The Desk
Smartphones are an excellent common merchandise for pickpockets to focus on. Many individuals merely depart it on the desk whereas they’re consuming, which makes it simple for somebody to come and snatch it up.
Break up Up Your Valuables
Unfold out your valuables so that you’ll restrict any harm when you do occur to get pickpocketed. For instance, I’ll preserve my bank card in my pockets however I’ll put a backup bank card in my baggage. And I’ll break up up my money between my pockets and bag so I don’t danger dropping the whole lot.
Remaining Ideas About Pickpockets In Europe
The probabilities of you getting pickpocketed whereas touring in Europe are low however it may possibly occur. In reality, Italy reviews 463 mentions of pickpocketing per a million guests and France has 283 mentions per a million guests so it’s statistically uncommon.
The true secret is to not make your self a goal since pickpockets at all times need to discover the best goal doable. So be vigilant and take a number of additional steps that I’ve outlined on this information and also you’ll have a terrific journey.
And whereas we’re with reference to security, take a look at my information to frequent journey scams in Europe to be taught different methods scammers attempt to reap the benefits of vacationers.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the e book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Funds”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
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Thanks For Studying! — James
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