How To Avoid Pickpockets

Most people think of a pickpocket as some shady looking man, hoodie drawn down, acting alone, etc… but actually, many pickpockets are teenage girls and boys, or someone that doesn’t look like a local (ie another tourist). Working as a group, they do something to distract you while one of the group members tries to take something from you. Once they get something, they scatter in different directions.

Additionally, police can’t really arrest minors, and most don’t travel with any identification, so even if they’re caught the police usually have to let them go. Other times, pickpockets are well-dressed and you’d never expect them to be thieves.

WHERE PICKPOCKETS PATROL 

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

You are a visitor and this is their home turf. They know the attractions and roads like the back of their hands, making it easy to slip in and out without being noticed. Lots of distracted people all in one place who are more concerned about taking pictures than who is bumping up against them. Perfect…

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Subways, Trams, Trolley, the Underground, Train Stations, and Buses are prime spots for pickpockets; it is often very crowded with everyone in a hurry rushing past each other, so it is easy to take advantage of the confusion. Pickpockets normally target stations and buses where many transit lines converge because it gives them plenty of places to exit after they grab and before you notice.

One common tactic is for a group of kids to push on a crowded train shortly before the doors shut. They’ll swipe what they’re trying to steal and then they all hop off right as the doors begin to close. By the time the victim realizes what happened, it is too late and the train has already left the station.

Always be wary of anyone who is standing very close to you on a train that isn’t crowded, as they might be up to no good.

Tourists trying to maneuver big luggage is a big indicator for pickpockets. They can snatch your purse but know you probably won’t chase them because then you’d have to leave your luggage behind.

RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS, AND BARS

Many people when enjoying a meal put their bags anywhere; so it’s easy to snatch a purse from the back of a chair or a phone from a table.

THE BEACH

Pay attention to your stuff when you’re at the beach. Don’t leave your bag unattended or out of sight because there is a good chance someone will snatch it up.

SCAMS AND TACTICS

THE CHARITY

Distraction and confusion are part of the plan that all pickpockets use. They want to distract your attention just long enough to take your stuff.

One scam is very popular in Paris. It nearly always involves a group of young girls with clipboards. They’ll approach you and point to a clipboard while signaling that they’re deaf and mute. They want you to sign a petition for charity providing your email. If you give this away you will be targeted with spam emails trying to scam you out of your money. If you sign, they’ll then continue to ask for a donation to the charity. Of course the “charity” is fake. While the tourist is signing/reading the petition, there is often another girl trying to pickpocket.

HELP WITH YOUR BAG

Now this isn’t always the case, but do be careful. I was helped many times by homeless men at the train stations that target tourists to offer to help with bags. Keep right on their side and lead the way (never be lead) with your bags always within arms reach. Once settled, give them a nice tip. I never mind this process as this is a way for them to make some honest income and I don’t have to carry my bags for a brief time.

Never let someone just grab your bags and explain what they are doing as they are walking. They are more likely to take off with them.

BUMP AND LIFT

When you’re surrounded by crowds, it isn’t uncommon to accidentally bump into other people. However, this is a common move performed by pickpockets, so if someone bumps into you, it might be smart to take a quick inventory of your belongings. Escalators, changing transport, busy bridges; anytime there is a one way traffic pickpockets can bump and grab what they want, hop a barrier and be going the opposite direction as you are being pushed in the other.

The bump is a fast way to slash your bag as well to quickly get at your valuables harder to reach for. If anyone makes contact with you in a crowded/uncrowded place just do a brief check to make sure everything’s all right.

TICKET MACHINES

Always be a little leery of people who try to help you at ticket machines. Almost all machines offer English settings so you can buy tickets and fully understand what you are doing. Be wary of anyone that says certain cards don’t work in the machines and in return offer to pay for them with their own card in exchange for cash. Many times they will buy you the wrong (cheaper) ticket and pocket the cash. If you are unsure of the ticket machines, you can always find an information desk for assistance or call the number on the machines.

Another good rule is always look for an official name tag. There are a lot of people hired by the city to help tourists find the right ticket office/ shuttles/ trains etc… If they are wearing a badge check it out and if it looks OK continue to accept their help. We found many great deals with people waiting at the train/airport and were official workers of the city.

THE HELPFUL TOURIST

Don’t let pickpockets take advantage of your good nature. Scammers will drop something in front of you and while you’re helping them pick up the mess, the other pickpocket will swoop in and lift something from your bag. That doesn’t mean you can’t help someone in duress, just be careful about your own stuff while doing it.

STREET PERFORMANCES

These gather large crowds of tourists. Large groups = pickpockets, so beware.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM PICKPOCKETS 

Just be smart and aware of your surroundings. With a little prep work and mindfulness you can enjoy your trip fully without having to be scared of anyone around you as a potential threat.

LIMIT WHAT YOU CARRY

Pickpockets can’t steal what you don’t have. Carry what you need for the day while sightseeing. Split up your cards and carry only one. Limit the cash on hand. Less you carry the less you lose; or spend!

WEAR A MONEY BELT

While not for me, it is a good option to consider as it is one of the most secure ways to carry valuables like extra money and your passport. They even have some cute ones for women now disguised as an infinity scarf (Amazon link).

SECURE YOUR BAG/BACKPACK

Backpacks are especially vulnerable because you can’t see or even feel if someone is trying to get into it.

  • Wear It Backwards or side-front — In crowds, especially when walking through them, wear your bag within hand/eyesight.
  • Lock The Zippers or Zip Tie Shut and cut open when you arrive.  – Good idea on trains when you store your bag at the end of the line.
  • Secure It To Yourself At All Times — When you’re at a restaurant, taking a break from walking, or you stopped to take a picture; loop your bag’s strap around your leg or the leg of your chair so someone can’t come by and swipe the bag.
  • Pack it right. If you are opting for a backpack instead of a purse, make sure your wallet is in the middle zipped section and all the way at the bottom of the bag towards your back- that way while wearing the bag you can feel your wallet against your back at all times. Cover it with a sweater or a souvenir as well so if your bag is opened you are not making it easy for them. Never keep your most valuables in the far back of your pack which are easy to open and grab.

THE RIGHT PURSE

Buy a purse with a high wall and short strap. This fits the closed purse nestled right in your underarm making it extremely difficult to be picked. Make sure your purse has a zipper, and keep it zip it up. Keep the irreplaceable valuables that you need to access easily for the day (ie passport) in the internal zipped compartments. Please never buy a long strapped purse that dangles/slung behind you.

WALLET IN FRONT POCKET

A lot of guys keep their wallet in their back pocket, but this is an extremely easy target for a pickpocket. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Consider getting a super thin wallet to decrease the bulk so you are more comfortable and it looks more natural.

KEEP YOUR PHONE OFF THE TABLE

Smartphones are a super popular item for pickpockets to target. Do not leave it on the table while eating, it is easy for someone to come and snatch it.

Another good rule is that if you have an iPhone and it is stolen, use a travel friend’s phone or your hotel’s computer to shut your phone down as quickly as possible so you do not lose any personal information.

LOOK THE LOOK

You want to be comfortable while seeing sights, but try your best to not look like a “tourist.”

  • Wear clothes in similar fashion. Europe tends to be darker colors and very limited in patterns. Not many people wear tennis shoes, so try to find some good fashionable walking shoes while in the city. Same with hats. You want to bring a hat while out exploring all day, make it one that blends in with the culture. Consider packing less and buying an outfit or two while at your destination, this helps you blend in and they make wonderful souvenirs!
  • Don’t be flashy with your jewelry or you might as well be wearing a “pick me” sign.
  • Bring an understated purse or a small backpack to carry essentials. Nothing flashy.
  • Have a really nice digital camera? Don’t wear it around your neck when walking site to site. Always put it away when taking transportation.
  • Fake it till you make it.  Look like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going, even if you have to fake it. Standing in the middle of a place looking confused – or worse, unfolding a map – marks you as a tourist.

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