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!

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.

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.

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!

In all my years in Europe, only once and that in a crush of people in Rome.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

^^<i>"been any threads on this already. If so please link me to them! "</i>^^

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 <b>not</b> intuitive in any manner!

Wishing you good luck.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

AZ: <i> 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."</i>

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.)

I posted this article one before. But with this subject we start all over again every few months:

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/c...pocketing.html

It's true that cash is disappearing -- even in Europe -- so pickpockets have a lot less to take unless they have outlets for phones and cameras (and cameras are also disappearing since most people use their phones for taking pictures).

Even the contactless cards are limited to purchases of no more than 20 euros, so nobody is going to get rich on them.

The big cash carriers are still considered to be Middle Easterners and Asians.

Speaking of Athens that i know perfectly well, the fact is that pickpockets prefer to pickpocket foreigners and are mainly active in the centre of Athens and on the metro line that connects the centre with the airport.

Especially on that blue line, it is very easy to spot tourists, as they are carrying their luggage....
Also it is relatively easy to tell if someone is Greek or a foreigner... they don't have to be Asian to be identified as foreigners...

None of my friends and family, who use daily the metro system , has ever been a victim.

They usually work in a group of 3-4, and while one keeps you busy, a second one steals your wallet, or other valueables and gives it to a 3rd one....

The police is arresting them systematically, but the "profitable business", seems to attract new ones

In any city with a number of tourists the pickpockets will latch onto tourists since they are often disorganized and/or inattentive. The key is to always be aware of your surroundings, keep all of your valuables safe, and NEVER, EVER let go of your belongings - not even in a luxury restaurant or hotel. The places with most risk are train stations and metro/tube stations, since people tend to be preoccupied with maps, tickets, etc.

In restaurants always keep purses on your lap or with the strap wrapped around your ankle or on your foot. (Yes, patrons have gone up to the buffet in luxury hotels and come back to find a purse (they just left on the table) gone - since well-dressed pickpockets tend to inhabit these places.

In stores never leave you purse on the counter and turn away,

Never let go of your luggage - any of it.

Violent crime is extremely rare - but if you're not careful it's very easy to lose a purse, camera, cell phone etc.

I don't have much to add except carry the absolute minimum on you when sightseeing / walking around. My wife and I leave our purses / wallets in the hotel safe and take one Credit Card or debit card and maybe 100 euros. Worst case - you lose 100 Euros and a card.

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

Huh?

Sure IF they are w/ an obvious group tour, they are tourists. Otherwise -- there are plenty of Asians <i>living</i> in each of those countries -- some even born there. What planet do you live on?

I sure hope you are traveling for 6 weeks to 2 months if you are visiting >>France, Italy, Spain, Germany and some of the Scandnavian countries<<

The only place I've been pickpocketed was London - and that's my occasional home - so fear not about Italy and Spain. Just heed the fantastic advice above about transport hubs and wearing a cross-body bag with the closure/zip close to you. If you're a man and not comfortable with carrying a messenger bag/cross body bag, then use a money belt under your clothing. They may feel uncomfortable at first but it's better than having a clever thief/s take your wallet from your pocket. And don't think your front pocket is more secure - it's not - these guys are masters.

Sure IF they are w/ an obvious group tour, they are tourists. Otherwise -- there are plenty of Asians living in each of those countries -- some even born there. What planet do you live on?>

If you can't tell the difference between an Asian tourist vs a ethnic Asian local then heaven help you - like kerouac says above thieves are targeting Asians in Paris - now how do they do that? they can tell locals vs foreign tourists who gather in tourist places - local Asians will not be gathering there.

It is so obvious janis I have trouble thinking you can't realize that!

PQ,
Ask your in laws, seems they are (only ?) your references.

AS for Asiats, yes I mean Asians, we say Asiatiques in French (ask your inlaws)and the planet I live in is mostly Paris.
Which is as said, ful of French of all ethnies.
And you know, being an expert on Paris that in France it is forbidden by law to make stats about ethnic origins, religions etc among our citizens.

So they are all French ... hope you don't mind.
We are raised liked that and remarks like yours are taken by us as a first step towards racism.
Hence my reactions..

Best regards.

PalenQ - you seem to think that you can get away with saying anything as long as you add the magic phrase "my French in-laws" or "my French friends" to it.

Anyone who has lived in France for longer than one week knows that the French are just as bigoted and ignorant as anyone else is.
They are also often quite fat.

If you want to insult people and show off your lack of intelligence, just go ahead and do it. You don't need to hide behind the French.

Manouche . . . You forget "My French son . . . ". ;)

pariswat - a French guy kerouac said theieves in Paris are targeting Asians - how about throwing your disgust at one of your fellow French?

Easy to pick on semantics of a foreigner.

Most of the stories I have heard or read stem from people's inattention. Like they put their "purse" on top of their suitcase in a train station, and turned away for a minute or two.

I think the single most useful thing you can do is figure out the safest way to carry your valuables. Don't have a lot of money on you, if you are moving place to place and need to carry everything use a money belt under your clothes, etc.

Thieves generally choose their targets by the hotels from which they emerge or the stores where they go to shop. Asians, Brazilians, Russians or Middle Easterners will be targeted. Americans, too.

My own neighborhood is full of Asians, Africans, Indians, Maghrebis, etc. Even ethnic Europeans. However, they are not tourists and they are not targeted at all.

Pickpocketing is a crime of opportunity and the targets will alway be selected by variable criteria depending on the locations. In an area like Boulevard Haussmann (the main department stores), if I were a pickpocket, I would go after anybody who looks like they are a tourist (often Asian or Middle Eastern on that street) and probably ignore most "ordinary French people" who look like they are going to work -- no matter what their ethnic origin.

Of course all of these stories about stealing purses, bags, phones, laptops, briefcases, etc., have nothing to do with pickpocketing. That is a completely different type of crime.

At my office, we often had to deal with rich Middle Eastern passengers who put their briefcase on the ground while they were checking in for their flight. Surprise -- 2 minutes later, there was no briefcase!

Most of the police reports that I had to read mentioned truly incredible amounts of cash being carried in those briefcases, often along the lines of "100,000 Saudi riyals, $USD 20,000 and 10,000 euros." It's enough to make a person want to start a life of crime.

The OP has probably long abandoned this thread.

janis - read kerouac's take on targeting Asians and mid-easterners - this is how thieves can target Asians and Mid-East types - and how they separate them from the 'domestic' Asians who do not gather in groups at hotels and flock to to tourist places. Understand now? It is very simple really.

>>My own neighborhood is full of Asians, Africans, Indians, Maghrebis, etc. Even ethnic Europeans. However, they are not tourists and they are not targeted at all.<<

nuf' said.

PQ.

You're too complicated for me.
Why do you keep throwing nationalities based on a few personal experience ?
Your inlaws are french, so what they say is what the 'French' say ? I disagree so I throw my disgust on a whole nation ?
Just give your evaluation if you have one, if not, don't make generalities based on second hand comments.