Pickpocketing in Europe

Old May 6th, 2015, 06:00 AM
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Pickpocketing in Europe

Hi All,

I just joined the forum so not sure if there has been any threads on this already. If so please link me to them! I'm planning to visit Europe next month (France, Italy, Spain, Germany and some of the Scandnavian countries). Was just wondering whether the rumours I've heard about high rates of pickpocketing are true? Especially for Italy and Spain.

Thanks!
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Old May 6th, 2015, 06:16 AM
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especially for Spain - Barcelona and Madrid being the worst in Europe it seems from many reports of not only pickpocketing or even strongarm muggings - rare anywhere else.

But knowledge of the problem and proper precautions kind of negate any real problem - be careful in any crowded venue - carry valuables in a secure money belt that goes under your clothing and leave teh family jewels at home.

Don't get too paranoid - the problem is less if you know of it and take proper precautions.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 06:28 AM
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Same as PalenQ, be aware of your surroundings. Also the pickpockets might be children so don't let anyone in your personal space especially (in my opinion) in Italy.
Be aware but have a great time.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 06:28 AM
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I have traveled throughout Europe over the past fifteen years, and despite warnings about pickpocketing, the only time I have actually had a bad experience was about five years ago in Salamanca, Spain. My sister and I were walking on a fairly well traveled street at dusk, when a group of young street people approached very quickly and aggressively, obviously setting out to try to mug us. I shouted in a very angry voice in Spanish to get away, and made motions to push them back. They retreated. Most pickpockets or others who wish to steal do not want to draw attention to themselves.

In Paris, of course everyone is approached with the "gold coin on the sidewalk" ploy, but that's easy to avoid. Watch out when you are going up the metro stairs in any city - that's when someone can "fall" in front of you, while the partner behind you swipes your valuables, as you are distracted.

Just keep your credit cards and larger amounts of money hidden in an inside pocket - use a closed cross-body bag with the opening against your body under your arm if you are a woman who wishes to carry a purse, and be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.

Even in St. Petersburg, Russia, where we were warned that pickpocketing was rampant, we never had a problem. Be aware of your surroundings, don't flash your valuables, and if you get a hunch that something's not right, take action to remove yourself. You will be fine!
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Old May 6th, 2015, 06:35 AM
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In all my years in Europe, only once and that in a crush of people in Rome.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 06:46 AM
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As others have advised, just take the usual precautions.

As for Italy:

Rome used to have a really bad rep for pickpockets at the train station and in some top tourist sights. Having visited for the last 25 years, I can say I've seen a difference for the better, especially after the year 2000, when they got tough on pickpockets as part of a general clean-up for the millenial festivities.

I think, as a result, the thieves and scammers have gotten a little smarter and subtle. They like to prey on tourists who look confused. There's the one, practiced mostly by women, where they offer to show you the way to your train, etc., and then demand lots of money. Or the "porter" who grabs your suitcase and "helps" you with it and then demands a ridiculous sum for it. The best way to deal with either is to tell them, loudly, to go to hell. They generally don't want to make a scene and attract the police.

If you deal with a roving street vendor at a crowded tourist sight, don't pay with a large bill and expect change back. They just run away with the money. I've seen it happen.

In Milan, one of the "porters" thought my wife was alone and grabbed her bag and placed it above her seat. He then demanded 5 euros. I tapped his shoulder from behind and placed some spare change in his hand -- less than a euro. He didn't put up a fight.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 07:56 AM
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If you are in a very touristy site and a ruckus breaks out -- look out because it's just a distraction and someone is about to have his or her pocket picked.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 08:49 AM
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Asians are a specific target now I understand, especially in France - they may have a lot of cash on them and are easy targets perhaps = my Korean friend was sitting in a McDonalds and two young Romani-looking girls come up and thrust a sheet of paper in his face - some written plea about needing money, etc but the real ruse was that one gal young stealing his I=phone which was out on the table - distractions are a good ruse - unfortunately beware of anyone coming up to you for any reason.

Again know the problem is there and it largely goes away.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 08:51 AM
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We have been pockpocketed, had it attempted or have seen it done to others n crowded metros in Barcelona and Lisbon. In crowds in Venice and Granada. Stay alert and keep your valuables out of reach. It can happen anywhere in the world.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 08:51 AM
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I suppose that we would need to know the name of your country to be able to tell you if the pickpocketing rates are high or not compared to where you live.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 08:53 AM
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There seems to be ONE element which is common to just about every pickpocketing theft scenario: lack of attention and awareness by the victim.

And Pal, what difference does it really make as to the appearance of the thieves ion your post? So, they were "Romani-looking." And the victim in this case was "Korean-looking."

This stereotyping accomplishes little IMO. Perhaps if you had said. "My Korean friend was obviously clueless," THAT would have been more helpful.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 09:08 AM
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So, they were "Romani-looking." And the victim in this case was "Korean-looking."

this is a sensitive thing but to alert folks that Romani a k a gypsy children do this all over Europe is useful - you can tell you're in potential problem if you see these kids coming towards you - and that is the only reason I said that, reluctantly - there are many other less descript pickpockets all over too but if you see those young girls that are notorious for this now in Paris beware. Hard to put it any kinder - how would you raise the alarm Dukey.

And the victim in this case was "Korean-looking.">

Please re-read - he was a friend of mine - he is Korean - at least that's what he calls himself. And is it valid to point out that Asians seem to be high-priority targets.

I hope now you see what I meant - how would you phrase the problem - or would you not?
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Old May 6th, 2015, 09:10 AM
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I suppose that we would need to know the name of your country to be able to tell you if the pickpocketing rates are high or not compared to where you live.>

That would lead to no valid comparison - wwe are talking about high tourists areas - foreign tourists who are likely to be wealthy since they can afford to travel to Europe - a better comparison would be Manhattan to central Paris.

country to country rates would be meaningless I think.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 09:11 AM
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^^"been any threads on this already. If so please link me to them! "^^

See the 'search the forums' box upper right? Just type in "pickpocket" or "pickpockets" or "pick pocket" or "pick pockets" - actually you'll need to try each one separately as the Fodors search is not intuitive in any manner!

Wishing you good luck.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 09:14 AM
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I think it is just true that pickpocketing rates are higher in EUrope than the US, it's just a more common crime there in big cities. I think some people don't want to believe that, but it is. There is some pickpocketing, of course, on the metro where I live in DC, but nothing like on the metro in Paris.

I suspect Germany is not bad or Scandinavia but haven't been there. it is something to be careful aboutu anywhere, but be more on your guard in France (at least big cities) and Spain. I think Italy, also, but haven't been there.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 09:40 AM
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I agree with Christina: I know pickpockets are prevalent in NYC and in DC here in the US, but I actually don't know even one person who has been a victim.

And I know a lot of friends of my kids who live in NY and DC! My oldest went to NYU.

So my assumption is that pickpockets in the US concentrate on the foreigners as will most pickpockets in Europe.

I have never been a true victim of pickpocketing in Rome or Paris, but I have seen often seen attempts of those and every possible con job. My daughter, also never a victim, witnessed entire arranged "shutdowns" of Paris Starbucks by marauders, who swiped all cellphones and tablets off surfaces. It was in Paris where she weekly witnessed iphone grabs right outside Metro stations.

One of my closest friends was attacked by a "falling woman" on a Metro. My friend spoke perfect Italian, though, and not only did she protect her goods, but she also raised the alarm for the train car. You can bet the woman's "crew" was off the train at the next stop

I, a pretty savvy traveler, was "swarmed" by teens as my husband and I crossed a bridge in Paris. I went into verbal and physical attack mode (I may look old but I am one tough customer).

In Barcelona, our Gaudi tour guide loved having us use the Metro because it is wonderful transport and because it was a great way for her to explain how to evade the best efforts of pickpockets.

Even with all these experiences, I relaxed my guard in Spain this past trip. We were having beers in Madrid and a lovely woman next to me who spoke no English leaned over and tapped my phone on the table and wagged her finger. I motioned, "Thank you, thank you, thank you--I forgot."

So it sounds as though I'm saying "be afraid." I'm not at all. I'm saying "Be Alert."

As the people above have said:
--Beware of "Approaches" No, you did NOT drop anything, that mustard on your shirt will be just fine, you cannot possibly provide directions.
--Keep your electronics hidden. Never look at your smartphone at an entrance to a Metro or on a street corner unless another member of your party acts as a look-out. I love my Maps apps, but sometimes, a nice paper map is a better solution
--Shout your lungs out if ANYONE dares invade your private space. Do as my friend did: Learn some phrase with curse words that you feel free to shout.

And be aware that for the most part, NOTHING bad will happen.

Plan your trip with happiness,
AZ
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Old May 6th, 2015, 11:40 AM
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OH, so now we are being told that "foreigners" are easy to spot in Europe? Foreigners as in from WHICH country?
Frankly, I think people who are not paying attention and are distracted may be a lot easier to spot regardless of where they are from.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 11:43 AM
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Most victims of pickpocketing in any country are locals. But this statement is in the same vein as all of the people who think that the ticket checkers in the metro are targeting tourists.
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Old May 6th, 2015, 12:03 PM
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OH, so now we are being told that "foreigners" are easy to spot in Europe? Foreigners as in from WHICH country?>

Uh duh uh China, Japan, Koreans are easy to spot for obvious reasons - what planet do you live on?

And Americans can often be spotted to by the way they carry themselves and tend to shout and are often obese - obese being a tell-tale sign of a Yank (or a German perhaps).

Tourists are targeted because they can be naive and forget to be vigilant.

metro ticket takers I would not believe to really target tourists - the contrary I would think - giving them the benefit of the doubt - but street criminals will look for the easiest and most potentially good pay off target - not so much locals who are wise to them I would think and who probably take good precautions to start - I've seen obvious Americans in Paris with wallets in the back pockets - asking to be pickpocketed!
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Old May 6th, 2015, 12:28 PM
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AZ: beers in Madrid and a lovely woman next to me who spoke no English leaned over and tapped my phone on the table and wagged her finger. I motioned, "Thank you, thank you, thank you--I forgot."

My lovely guy was in Den Haag, at the train station. He looked down, gestured at my jacket pocket and with a warm smile said "big pockets!" I knew immediately what he meant and thanking him, snapped the pocket closed altho there was only a tissue packet and lip balm inside.

I love it when we take care of each other! (and even more when attractive men look out for me.)
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