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Stay safe from pickpockets in Europe with smart prevention tips. Learn how to protect your belongings and what to look out for in busy tourist areas.
Many tourists dream about visiting Europe, whether it’s to get a taste of the delicious cuisine, learn about its rich history or create unforgettable memories. As much fun as it can be to travel the continent, you should be aware of the risks that may come with your trip. Violent crime in Europe is low, especially compared to other destinations. But as with any busy tourist area, petty crime, like pickpocketing, can be common in popular tourist spots. In this guide, we’ll go over how to outsmart pickpockets and keep your belongings secure.
How common is pickpocketing in Europe?
Overall, pickpocketing is an uncommon occurrence with 251 incidents per million visitors on average reported in big cities like Paris. Areas that are heavily crowded and are known tourist spots are typically higher risk for pickpocketing in general. While it may seem unlikely, you should still take precautions to avoid being the target of a pickpocket. Always be vigilant in busy areas and keep your belongings in secured to your body with zippers always in sight.
Why is pickpocketing so prevalent?
Some crimes are planned, but pickpocketing is an opportunistic crime. In other words, it’s easy to take advantage of someone who isn’t paying attention to their stuff in an unfamiliar place. While it’s not a violent crime, it can negatively impact your vacation, especially if important documents like your passport get stolen.
Which destinations are most risky for pickpocketing?
Since pickpockets target popular tourist areas, it’s not surprising that some of the most popular cities to visit like, Rome and Paris, have opportunistic pickpockets. Areas that are congested like train stations, bus stops, marketplaces and tourist attractions are where you’re most likely to be targeted. So, when you’re making a wish at the Trevi fountain, hold onto to your wallet.
Seven tips for avoiding pickpockets in Europe
The idea of being a target of theft when you’re enjoying vacation can put a damper on your good time. You can still enjoy the freedom of a European vacation by securing your belongings and staying aware. Here are seven tips to help you outsmart pickpockets on your vacation:
Avoid Distractions
Pickpockets look for travelers who aren’t paying attention, whether you’re taking photos, chatting with a friend or busy on your phone. It’s best to avoid using your phone in public and hold your personal items like a purse or backpack close to you, so you are more likely to feel if they are being tampered with.
Keep Your Bags in Sight
Always know where your belongings are by carrying a crossbody bag or wearing your backpack in the front, so no one can stealthily sneak into your bag. When taking photos, you may have to sacrifice your aesthetic in order to protect your belongings, especially if you don’t have a trusted friend who can watch your items.
Don’t Use Back Pockets
Slipping your phone or wallet into your back pocket might be a habit, but it can make you an easy target for pickpockets. Instead, try a money belt that let’s you keep your cash, bank cards and important travel documents close to your person. When possible, leave important documents in your hotel safe for added precaution and less stress.
Get a Bag Lock
You can add a layer of security to your backpacks, luggage and other personal items by purchasing a bag lock. Some bag locks simple secure the zippers of your bag preventing pickpockets from reaching in and grabbing valuables while other locks can secure your items in place. For example, you might get a lock for your purse zippers and secure it to the chair while you dine at a popular restaurant in Rome.
Be Wary of Friendly Strangers
One of the best parts of travel is meeting friendly locals and other travelers, but it’s in your best interest to keep your guard up. Whether it’s an embrace, being too close for comfort or an accidental bump, pickpockets often use these kinds of tactics to get close to tourists to grab easy-to-take items. You may also be roped into a scam where you’re presented with an item, like a bracelet, as if it’s a gift and then intimidated into paying for the item. Street performers may use similar tactics to take advantage of you as well.
Blend in
Since tourists are most often the victims of pickpockets, it’s in your best interest to blend in as much as possible. This can apply to how you look and act, whether you have a backpack on with your camera out or are dressed to the nines, you can end up sticking out to locals. Instead, leave flashy jewelry and luxury items at home or locked in your hotel room and learn to dress like a local. You can look into forums and blogs about your destination to get ideas from other travelers who have first-hand experience.
Learn to Spot Fake Police
Some pickpockets may use scare tactics to get what they want. In some cases, they may dress as a police officer or other official and ask to see your travel documents. Before handing over any information, assess the legitimacy of the situation. Real officials will accept copies of your documents and are willing to meet with you at the station, rather than doing business on the street.
What to do if you've been pickpocketed?
Following the prevention methods above can help you outsmart pickpockets, but there is still a chance you may fall victim to theft despite how diligent you might be. If you become the victim of a pickpocket, you’ll first want to contact local police to file a report of what has been stolen. You should include as much information as you can about the items missing and the identity of the suspect, which can be difficult given how fast pickpocketing can occur.
If your credit or debit cards get stolen, call your bank to let them know of your situation so they can freeze your cards. Then you can work together to get access to your funds for the rest of your trip.
For lost identification, you will need to contact the U.S. embassy and visit in person to speak with the consular staff to help you get back home.
Finally, if you have a Travel Guard travel insurance plan, you can contact our assistance services team to inform them of your situation and see how they will be able to assist. With Travel Guard, you can choose a plan with high coverage limits to help offer more protection for your trip investment, like our Deluxe Plan that includes coverage for lost or stolen luggage which may be valuable if you fall victim to theft. Lastly, you’ll have access to our assistance services team who are available 24/7 to assist with stolen travel documents, translation assistance and much more so you’re not alone in a crisis.
When you’re ready to book, we’re ready to travel with you.
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