For those who’re planning a visit to Europe you’ve undoubtedly been warned in regards to the hazard of pickpockets. You will need to be vigilant as a result of hundreds of vacationers are victims of pickpockets annually—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 totally different strategies they use, and methods to guard your self.
The Most Common Cities for Pickpockets
Whereas pickpockets could be present in almost any metropolis, the largest concentrations are in cities that entice essentially the most vacationers (no shock there).
Here’s a record 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 massive cities. I’ve a buddy who even had his pockets stolen in a small city in Switzerland.
Who Are Pickpockets?
Most individuals assume pickpockets are sketchy-looking males, however a lot of pickpockets are literally younger ladies and boys—normally round 10-16 years previous. Most vacationers don’t suspect {that a} younger little one 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 normally should 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 they usually’ll all run in separate instructions. This makes it very arduous to trace the wrongdoer.
The place Do Pickpockets Goal?
It’s no shock that the majority thieves goal locations which can be busy/chaotic and have loads of vacationers.
Listed here are a couple of spots the place you ought to be further vigilant:
High 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 dwelling in Paris, I’ve seen my share of pickpockets on the Paris Metro. Public transportation is a good 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 giant metro/subway stations the place many transit traces converge as a result of it offers them loads of locations to exit in the event that they’re being chased.
Pay further consideration throughout rush hour occasions and on routes that result in the most well-liked vacationer sights.
Museums
Europe’s hottest museums swell to most capability (particularly through the summer time) and there are sure to be a couple 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 truth, in 2013, the employees on the Louvre in Paris went on strike as a result of the pickpockets have been getting so unhealthy.
Prepare Stations
Prepare stations are giant, crowded, and stuffed with confused vacationers with their fingers stuffed with cumbersome baggage—which is precisely the sort of surroundings pickpockets love.
Eating places, Cafés, and Bars
Many individuals let their guard down after 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.
Be sure you by no means depart your cellphone on the desk or your bag/purse unattended.
The Seaside
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 identified for pickpockets.
Retail Shops
Clothes and shops in Europe can get extraordinarily crowded—particularly across the holidays. These are simple locations for pickpockets to focus on vacationers who are normally carrying some huge cash.
The Sneaky Methods Pickpockets Use To Steal Your Stuff
Distraction is the one tactic that each 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 may be very in style in Paris. It almost at all times entails a gaggle of younger ladies with clipboards. They’ll strategy you and level to a clipboard whereas signaling that they’re deaf and mute. They need you to signal a petition for charity. For those who signal, they’ll ask for a donation to the charity. After all, the “charity” is faux — in reality, the cash typically goes to those ladies’ “boss” (i.e. human traffickers). Whereas the vacationer is signing/studying the petition, there may be typically an confederate making an attempt to pickpocket the sufferer.
Crowd the Metro
The metro (subway) trains can get very crowded. A typical tactic is for a gaggle 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 making an attempt 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.
At all times be cautious when a gaggle of individuals crowds onto an already busy metro automotive. Even be cautious of anybody who’s standing very near you on a practice that isn’t crowded, as they could be as much as no good.
Sidewalk Cafe Seize
Pay further 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 without doubt one of the most typical locations to get your stuff swiped.
Metro Smartphone Seize
Folks are inclined to zone out whereas they’re speaking or texting on their telephones. Be very cautious about utilizing your cellphone should you’re standing close to the door of a subway automotive. Thieves will attain in and snatch your cellphone proper because the doorways shut.
Assist with Your Bag
Some metro stations have numerous stairs so “good samaritans” will seize ahold of your suitcase that can assist you carry it up the steps. This normally takes individuals off guard a little bit and that is when their buddy reaches into your purse or pocket. There are literally loads of good individuals who will supply 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 widespread transfer carried out by pickpockets, so if somebody bumps into you, it could 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 might 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 after they get off and this may create an enormous backup of individuals making an attempt 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 unimaginable to chase them.
Newspaper/Map Distraction
A typical pickpocket tactic entails 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 buddy will attain below the paper so you’ll be able to’t see what they’re taking. It is a quite common manner that individuals steal cellphones from tables.
ATM Confusion
At all times watch out when utilizing the ATM — particularly while you’re alone. When you’re within the strategy of withdrawing cash, a gaggle of beggars will strategy you from behind to try to get your consideration. They may pull in your arm or shove a bit of paper in entrance of the display. For those who 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, make sure 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
At all times be a little bit leery of people that strive 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 needed to purchase two 5-day passes, which value about 30€/every, so the person provided to make use of his bank card as a result of he informed them Australian playing cards don’t work within the machines. He stated that they might simply pay him in money.
He did purchase the tickets… however he purchased them a one-way little one’s ticket (which appears to be like similar to a 5-day move) 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 choose up the mess, the opposite pickpocket will swoop in and elevate one thing out of your bag. That doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t assist your fellow man, however simply watch out about your personal stuff whereas doing it.
Slashed Bag
Whereas uncommon, some pickpockets don’t even hassle making an attempt to steal your bag and they’ll merely slash it open with a knife. Pacsafe makes a spread of slash-proof baggage for further safety.
Turnstile Stall
Busy turnstiles are a standard space for pickpockets to strike. As you’re approaching a turnstile, one particular person will reduce in entrance of you after which proceed to cease (they may fake that the machine isn’t working) and their associate will come up behind you — primarily trapping you between the 2 of them. The particular person within the again will elevate one thing out of your bag or pocket whereas his associate within the entrance is fumbling with the turnstile.
Scooter Snatch and Run
Whereas not tremendous widespread, some thieves will drive up on a scooter, snatch a bag from the sufferer’s shoulder, after which trip off into the sundown. I wouldn’t be too frightened about this method, however it could actually occur.
Road Performances
Many road performances entice giant crowds of vacationers—which might typically entice loads of pickpockets as nicely (generally they’re all working collectively).
Faux Struggle
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 generally is 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 need a confrontation.
Vacationers
Duh, proper? However vacationers = cash to pickpockets. For those who seem like a vacationer, you’re robotically going to be singled out. Take a look at my article on the right way to not gown like a vacationer in Europe.
Folks With a Lot of Baggage
You’re going to be a main goal for a pickpocket in case you are pulling alongside two big suitcases and have a backpack. You gained’t be capable of watch over all of your issues since you may have a lot stuff and also you’re a slow-moving goal.
So pack mild!
Take a look at my Backpacking Europe Packing Listing and Journey Europe Packing Listing for Girls to get some recommendations on packing mild and see my information to the finest journey backpacks to see my favourite journey baggage.
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, a lot of Chinese language residents don’t have easy accessibility to credit score and debit playing cards in order that they carry giant quantities of money—and thieves know this.
So even should you’re not Chinese language, however have Asian heritage, you would possibly need to be particularly cautious because you could be extra more likely to be focused.
Folks Who Flash Valuables
Strolling alone at night time whereas utilizing your iPhone? Don’t be stunned if somebody takes it from you.
Trusting Folks
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 sweet and useful are those who get taken benefit of most frequently.
How To Defend Your self From Pickpockets
For those who’ve made it this far, you could be considering that there are literally thousands of pickpockets making an attempt to rob each vacationer in Europe. However that isn’t the case and also you’ll not often have any issues should you take a couple of further precautions.
It’s also vital to do not forget that precise violent crime is low in Europe so there’s a very low probability of something occurring to you.
On this part, we’ll speak in regards to the steps you’ll be able to 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.
Considered one 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 seem like regular clothes that you just’d put on daily however are made out of high-tech materials.
Bluffworks additionally has trendy ladies’s anti-theft journey clothes that’s price testing.
Pickpocket-Proof Luggage
If you wish to be further secure, you may get your self a specifically designed “pickpocket-proof” backpack, bag, or purse.
The most well-liked anti-theft baggage are made by Pacsafe. Their baggage have tamper-proof zippers, cut-proof straps, anchored straps, and a slash-proof metallic mesh sewn into the bag.
Zippered Purse
Among the best methods to maintain your valuables safe is to have a handbag/bag with a zipper. I like to recommend preserving valuables in inside zipped compartments if attainable.
Put on a Cash Belt
A cash belt is without doubt one of the most safe methods to hold valuables like more money and your passport. Nevertheless, many vacationers make the error of considering that they need to use their cash belt like a pockets — however it isn’t supposed for that.
Ideally, you need to preserve the cash and debit/bank cards that you just’re going to wish for the day in your pockets after which preserve all further money and possibly a backup bank card within the cash belt. The cash belt ought to be worn below your garments and ought to be pretty inconvenient to entry (to discourage thieves).
There are a number of types of cash belts accessible:
- Across the Waist — That is the standard type of cash belt. You put on it below your shirt and round your waist.
- Across the Neck — Cash belts that grasp round your neck are one other good choice. These are rather a lot simpler to entry (particularly should 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 — For those who 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 loads of money.
Safe Your Bag/Backpack
Your bag or backpack might be essentially the most weak space that pickpockets love to focus on. Backpacks are particularly weak as a result of you’ll be able to’t see if somebody is making an attempt to get into it. Listed here are some ideas for securing your bag.
- Put on Your Bag Backwards — On crowded public transportation, lots of people put on their baggage backward as a result of this permits them to regulate 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 nicely.
- 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 bother should you plan on carrying loads of stuff with you. Right here is an instance of a sling backpack, however there are a lot of types accessible.
- 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
A number of guys preserve their wallets of their again pockets, however that is a particularly 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 Massive Skinny Multi-Pocket Bifold Pockets will get loads of nice opinions for having a low profile.
Hold Your Cellphone Off The Desk
Smartphones are an excellent in style 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 should 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 cut up up my money between my pockets and bag so I don’t threat shedding every part.
Ultimate Ideas About Pickpockets In Europe
The probabilities of you getting pickpocketed whereas touring in Europe are low however it could actually occur. In truth, Italy experiences 463 mentions of pickpocketing per a million guests and France has 283 mentions per a million guests so it’s statistically uncommon.
The actual secret’s to not make your self a goal since pickpockets at all times need to discover the best goal attainable. So be vigilant and take a couple of further steps that I’ve outlined on this information and also you’ll have an awesome journey.
And whereas we’re with regards to security, take a look at my information to widespread 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 creator of the e-book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Finances”. He is been running a blog about finances journey in Europe since 2010.
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Thanks For Studying! — James
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