PICKPOCKETS
 

OK people: <BR> <BR>Let's find out the REAL scoop on this pickpocket thing in Paris. <BR> <BR>What are the odds of getting pickpocketed in Paris? <BR> <BR>What are the "hotspots" for pickpocketers? <BR> <BR>Anybody here ever experienced this happen to themsleves? <BR> <BR>I am planning on wearing a money belt under my clothes. Have any of these hoodlums ever infiltrated that as well? <BR> <BR>Sincerely, <BR> <BR>Daniel Lee

We were walking in the Tuileries garden and there didn't seem to be another person in sight. I had left my wallet outside my shirt on its cord. Suddenly the pros descended on us with their newspapers and cardboard. I had been forewarned but it was so sudden that I didn't grasp what was going on right away. My companion was yelling No, Go Away. I had foolishly been trying to read what was written on the cardboard being held in front of me. I finally woke up and slapped the cardboard down. They had unsnapped the wallet but didn't get anything. That was my only pickpocket experience in a whole college-summer of Europe. I had been very careful, but at that point we seemed to be so out-of-a-crowd that I had let my guard down. I will use the neck wallet again this summer but it will be under my clothes all the time. My godfather said his front trouser pocket was picked on the Paris Metro. (interesting experience I guess) It was crowded and he preferred losing the money clip to whatever he was holding.

Hey Pam, <BR> <BR>Yeah, I hear ya. My friend also got his front pocket raped by some pickpocketers on the Metro. They took out all the bills and all the CHANGE. He was amazed. <BR> <BR>Well, I'm not gonna worry about it. I'm gonna have my money belt, and if I catch some dude's hand in my pocket, I'll just break it off for him. <BR> <BR>Daniel

This message is a request to Pam. <BR>Please give a few more technical details on the attempted heist you experienced. <BR>Was it daylight? <BR>Where did these people come from? <BR>Behind trees and bushes? <BR>Was the technique to hold the cardboard up to block your vision while someone took your money? <BR>I guess if they had wanted it bad enough they would have just hit you over the head and cut the cord. But is sounds perfectly scary. <BR> <BR>Question for the Paris veterans: <BR>don't the Paris police ever do anything?? They don't care, or what?? <BR>

The odds of getting pickpocketed in Paris are directly proportional to how easily accessible anything valuable to you is to them. I've heard and read all sorts of stories, but I've never heard of anyone having an under-the-clothing security pouch lifted (or the contents thereof). My recommendation is to carry your cash, credit cards, passport, etc. in your security pouch. Your camera is probably safe around your neck and in front of you. Otherwise, it's a good idea to carry it around in one of those plain brown bags with handles under your tour guides and maps (as opposed to a really nice camera bag with a big brand name on it). Take only what you need with you for the day. Many pickpockets hang out at Notre Dame (go figure), the large metro stations which connect to the suburbs (Chatelet/Les Halles, Montparnasse, Trocadero, etc.) and especially on the line that runs between Bastille and Charles de Gaulle. There are very practiced at their "art". On the trains (often a small group of adolescents), they hop on one stop and jump off at the next having done their business. They know precisely the distance between stops and when the train will suddenly slow down and you'll be completely distracted looking for something to grab onto. The best way to protect yourself is to have your route planned in advance - know where you will change lines and what direction you are going (the direction is always the last stop on the line), and the number of stops. It's best not to rely on the maps in the station or on the train, as you will be too distracted. Beware of anyone invading your "personal space". Look them up and down and squarely in the eye. Turning your gaze elsewhere and pretenting to ignore potential troublemakers is not a good idea. It's good advice to leave your wallet and anything else you normally carry around but don't need in Paris at home. A wallet is not safe anywhere on your person. You cannot fool the pickpockets. Your body language will give you away (think "protecting"). Every tour guide has a chapter on "safety". If you read the precautions and follow them, you'll probably never know they're around. The Paris police are more than happy to take a detailed report.

Just to put things into perspective...I have never had a problem in my 6 years here and don't know anyone else who has, tourist or no. Maybe this is a side to Paris that residents just do not see (although we spend lots of time in the sames parks, museums, metro stops as visitors...) You should be careful in the metro, especially the La Defense-Vincennes line. Pickpockets call this line "La Banque Suisse" (the Swiss bank) because it so lucrative.

Just to put things into perspective...I have never had a problem in my 6 years here and don't know anyone else who has, tourist or no. Maybe this is a side to Paris that residents just do not see (although we spend lots of time in the sames parks, museums, metro stops as visitors...) You should be careful in the metro, especially the La Defense-Vincennes line. Pickpockets call this line "La Banque Suisse" (the Swiss bank) because it so lucrative.

Regarding the cardboard...They hold in front of you a piece of cardboard with writing on it. While you are trying to read it, they reach under and grab for your money, valuables, etc. Some girls tried this on us in Barcelona. As soon as they came close, I shoved the one with the cardboard out of my way. She walked over to my husband with it. He slapped it upwards so it hit her in the face. I don't like to get violent, but sometimes you just have to do it. I would think that your odds of getting pickpocketed are the same in any large city. Just use common sense.

<BR>I've decided to add my opinion. I have never been a victim of crime, either in the very large city I live in, nor while traveling. I don't use hidden wallets either at home or abroad. Some of my crime-free experience is luck, and I grant that up front. However, a good part is also common sense. <BR>No offense intended, but do you look like tourists? That's not a crime, I'm just asking. In my home city we get lots of tourists, and whether they are other Americans, Japanese, or Europeans, it is quite easy, usually, to spot the tourists. We tourists can't help it to some extent. We carry our guidebooks and our maps and our totebags (sometimes with travel logos on them) and our large cameras. Some make it more obvious by wearing sneakers and tee shirts with logos from home, etc into business and cultural areas and are even more obvious.When I travel I too have the inevitable totebag, albeit a discreet one. I don't wear sneakers and I try to blend in but I am sure I am recognizable as an American in Paris, and elsewhere. . <BR> <BR>I don't walk around feeling fearful and paranoid, but I am cautious. My totebag doesn't dangle from my arm, it is securely closed,and close to my body. I walk briskly and with a purpose. <BR>When I hear footsteps behind me, I turn around and look. When I see a group approaching me, I look up and pay attention. When I accumulate packages I stop at my hotel and drop them off so I am not overburdened and distracted. In train stations while I am searching for my train or walking the corridors I am aware that my bag is still closed and close to me. I would rather hold up a ticket line or a taxi for 6 extra seconds while I put my wallet away and close my bag, rather than walk away still fumbling with the wallet and the bag. <BR>I am truly sorry to hear of problems with crime in Paris, a city I love. Again, there are certainly areas to avoid as there are in any major city, particularly but not exclusively at night.The Tuileries is not a place I would have put in that category. However, I'm sure you can admit that a wallet dangling on a cord around your neck was, in hindsight, like waving a red flag at a bull. <BR>I hope you all have happier experiences in the future, but I hope the bad time doesn't turn you off Paris, or traveling. <BR>Good luck.

<BR>I've decided to add my opinion. I have never been a victim of crime, either in the very large city I live in, nor while traveling. I don't use hidden wallets either at home or abroad. Some of my crime-free experience is luck, and I grant that up front. However, a good part is also common sense. <BR>No offense intended, but do you look like tourists? That's not a crime, I'm just asking. In my home city we get lots of tourists, and whether they are other Americans, Japanese, or Europeans, it is quite easy, usually, to spot the tourists. We tourists can't help it to some extent. We carry our guidebooks and our maps and our totebags (sometimes with travel logos on them) and our large cameras. Some make it more obvious by wearing sneakers and tee shirts with logos from home, etc into business and cultural areas and are even more obvious.When I travel I too have the inevitable totebag, albeit a discreet one. I don't wear sneakers and I try to blend in but I am sure I am recognizable as an American in Paris, and elsewhere. . <BR> <BR>I don't walk around feeling fearful and paranoid, but I am cautious. My totebag doesn't dangle from my arm, it is securely closed,and close to my body. I walk briskly and with a purpose. <BR>When I hear footsteps behind me, I turn around and look. When I see a group approaching me, I look up and pay attention. When I accumulate packages I stop at my hotel and drop them off so I am not overburdened and distracted. In train stations while I am searching for my train or walking the corridors I am aware that my bag is still closed and close to me. I would rather hold up a ticket line or a taxi for 6 extra seconds while I put my wallet away and close my bag, rather than walk away still fumbling with the wallet and the bag. <BR>I am truly sorry to hear of problems with crime in Paris, a city I love. Again, there are certainly areas to avoid as there are in any major city, particularly but not exclusively at night.The Tuileries is not a place I would have put in that category. However, pam,I'm sure you can admit that a wallet dangling on a cord around your neck was, in hindsight, like waving a red flag at a bull. <BR>I hope you all have happier experiences in the future, but I hope the bad time doesn't turn you off Paris, or traveling. <BR>Good luck.

<BR>I've decided to add my opinion. I have never been a victim of crime, either in the very large city I live in, nor while traveling. I don't use hidden wallets either at home or abroad. Some of my crime-free experience is luck, and I grant that up front. However, a good part is also common sense. <BR>No offense intended, but do you look like tourists? That's not a crime, I'm just asking. In my home city we get lots of tourists, and whether they are other Americans, Japanese, or Europeans, it is quite easy, usually, to spot the tourists. We tourists can't help it to some extent. We carry our guidebooks and our maps and our totebags (sometimes with travel logos on them) and our large cameras. Some make it more obvious by wearing sneakers and tee shirts with logos from home, etc into business and cultural areas and are even more obvious.When I travel I too have the inevitable totebag, albeit a discreet one. I don't wear sneakers and I try to blend in but I am sure I am recognizable as an American in Paris, and elsewhere. . <BR> <BR>I don't walk around feeling fearful and paranoid, but I am cautious. My totebag doesn't dangle from my arm, it is securely closed,and close to my body. I walk briskly and with a purpose. <BR>When I hear footsteps behind me, I turn around and look. When I see a group approaching me, I look up and pay attention. When I accumulate packages I stop at my hotel and drop them off so I am not overburdened and distracted. In train stations while I am searching for my train or walking the corridors I am aware that my bag is still closed and close to me. I would rather hold up a ticket line or a taxi for 6 extra seconds while I put my wallet away and close my bag, rather than walk away still fumbling with the wallet and the bag. <BR>I am truly sorry to hear of problems with crime in Paris, a city I love. Again, there are certainly areas to avoid as there are in any major city, particularly but not exclusively at night.The Tuileries is not a place I would have put in that category. However, pam,I'm sure you can admit that a wallet dangling on a cord around your neck was, in hindsight, like waving a red flag at a bull. <BR>I hope you all have happier experiences in the future, but I hope the bad time doesn't turn you off Paris, or traveling. <BR>Good luck.

Dear Elaine: <BR> <BR>No way in hell would I let this deter me from traveling to Paris. I've been to Brasil and it's pretty tough out there, but with some good sense and precautions, we didn't run into any problems. (And all we kept hearing about Brasil were the horror stories of muggings and being held at gunpoint.) We had a fabulous time and I intend on doing the same in Paris. <BR> <BR>It just surprised me that there were so many pickpockets in Paris. I've always thought it as one of the safest cities in Europe but I guess anybody with money is a target anywhere. Thank you all for your input. I always wear a money belt when I travel and it is very secure. I would like to bring around a camera though, and am wondering how to carry that around. I think I'm gonna put it in a fanny pack but strap it around my shoulder and neck, close to my body. <BR> <BR>Anybody else know of any other pickpocketer's techniques? I would just like to know of what to be aware. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Daniel

I've visited Paris many times (more than 25 times) and lived there for a year as well. I never had my pocket picked. I have seen others have trouble with gypsy kids a few times and have heard others who did get pick pocketed. Most of the problems occur in the Metro stations or on the Metro which I only used a few times. <BR> <BR>I did have a sport jacket stolen out of a rental car right under my nose. It was around 2:00AM and I was lost. I saw a taxi and stopped to get directions. I got out of the car and walked over to the taxi to ask the driver directions. I left the car running and unlocked. When I got out of my car I did noticed a male walking in my direction, but didn't think much of it. When I got back to the car I looked into the back seat where I had left my jacket and it was gone. I did go to the police, but there was little they could do or did. <BR> <BR>When I lived in Paris, my car was broken into 3 or 4 times and parts removed. Broken windows, gear shift knob removed, electric window control removed, front tires and wheels. I lived in the 16th which was a very nice area. Many residents in the area have expensive cars which does draw the thieves. <BR> <BR>Overall, I never really felt threatened walking around Paris at any hour and consider Paris one of the safest cities in the world. My local friends did warn me that the city is not that safe and that I should take some care where I went. I think the biggest problem in Europe is theft. They really don't have violent crimes such as muggings, murders, rapes, etc. which is more prevalent in the US. <BR> <BR>In reply to where are the "hotspots" for pickpockets .... anyplace there are crowds and/or a lot of tourists. I've also read that professional pick pockets would pretty much go unnoticed since their appearance would not be alarming at all. They will appear to be quiet, reserved looking, middle age man or woman. They also can strike anywhere, not just in crowds. They often prey where people feel comfortable and their guard may be down. I've also read that there is little you can do if you've been selected. These people have an uncanny skill and don't often leave empty handed. <BR> <BR>The best or only defense you can offer is not to flaunt what you have. Don't walk around with your wallet hanging out of your back pocket or dangling around your neck. And don't carry more money than you can afford to lose. With credit cards and ATM's there really isn't a need to carry a lot of cash around with you. As for your credit cards, don't carry them all around with you. Keep spares separate just in case of loss or theft. Before going to Europe, remove everything from your wallet or pocketbook that you can't or don't need in Europe .... library cards, retail store credit cards, Blockbuster video rental cards, personal checkbooks, etc. Only take what you will need and spares. Also take copies of your passport, air tickets, driver's license with you. Write down your credit card account numbers or make a copy of it with the telephone numbers you need to call to report a loss or theft. <BR> <BR>Daniel, you asked what are the odds of getting pickpocketed. I don't know. It does happen. I would guess it is not a big number. A lot of people go to Paris. However, if it should happen to you, you want to make sure it will not be catastrophic. The consensus is that the safest place to carry your money is in a money belt or pouch under your clothes. Keep very little in your pockets.

Certainly my Tuileries incident has not deterred me from traveling. In fact, on the same trip I consciously felt less safe in NYC than I had anywhere in Europe, even when I had been alone. (Actually my worst travel experience ever was being fondled on a crowded NYC sidewalk--different trip.) I know I was an idiot for having my neck wallet outside my shirt; I learned my lesson. To answer Bob's question, this was in broad daylight and I just guess they ran up to us (it was in 1985). They didn't materialize out of thin air but it all happened very quickly. Yes, the cardboard was to block my view of the hand going into my neck pouch, and the writing on it was to distract me. They were very light fingered. On that same trip I had already been to Rome and had had no problems there. My family is going to Italy this summer and I am not worried about street crime; it is just a reality to deal with. I'm much more concerned about being separated from my son in the crowds. Part of the reason I love to travel is that it takes me off the auto-pilot I sometimes seem to be on at home (driving to work w/o noticing the trip, for example). Another suggestion that might be a preventative is to not load yourself down too much in transit. As for why pickpockets would hang around Notre Dame (or any tourist site), there are scads of people, likely carrying a lot of money, craning their necks to look up, around, down, anywhere but at the people next to them. I'm sure I looked like a tourist compared to the Parisians. Some things can't be helped!

Daniel: I've found it helpful to carry a moneybelt/neck wallet with some emergency $$ and a credit card, but to carry a small wallet with spending money somewhere more accessible. I guestimate what I'll be spending entrance fees, meals, junk and have that in a button/velcro pocket. That way you you don't have to get out a money belt from your pants/under your shirt and everyone sees what your carrying around. And if your wallet does get stolen, you only lost a few bucks. Also, if your carrying a backpack, fannypack - in a crowd - carry it in front of you. The one time I put my wallet and daytimer in my backpack, It was gone and I didn't find out until I got back to the hotel. Enjoy your trip, don't get too paranoid, travel smart.! <BR>

hey guys, <BR> <BR>yeah, the one concern that i always have when using a money belt is exposing it get money later and showing everybody what i have. like if i'm using a money belt, then i must have a LOT of money in there or something (which i won't). i plan on keeping a little bit of spending money in my pocket or somewhere, but i also don't want that stolen either. maybe i'll keep it in my sock? <BR> <BR>or maybe i'll quit babbling about this and blowing it up out of proportion. <BR> <BR>daniel

I always wear a money belt underneath and keep some spending money in my front pocket. When in a place that you feel uncomfortable, just try to keep a hand on or in your pocket. It would take a brave and skilled thief to try to take it then. When I need money out of the money belt, I turn away from where people can see or do it in a restroom or other out-of-the way place (under the table when eating is another good time). I think even if someone knows you are wearing a money belt, you are pretty safe unless in a situation when you are concerned about violence or more brazen attempts to rob you, such as late-night on a dark street or in a big metro station. Haven't had anything taken yet, but I have had several occasions when I thought I was being targeted (eg., Paris, Strasbourg).

I always wear a money belt underneath and keep some spending money in my front pocket. When in a place that you feel uncomfortable, just try to keep a hand on or in your pocket. It would take a brave and skilled thief to try to take it then. When I need money out of the money belt, I turn away from where people can see or do it in a restroom or other out-of-the way place (under the table when eating is another good time). I think even if someone knows you are wearing a money belt, you are pretty safe unless in a situation when you are concerned about violence or more brazen attempts to rob you, such as late-night on a dark street or in a big metro station. Haven't had anything taken yet, but I have had several occasions when I thought I was being targeted (eg., Paris, Strasbourg).

I always wear a money belt underneath and keep some spending money in my front pocket. When in a place that you feel uncomfortable, just try to keep a hand on or in your pocket. It would take a brave and skilled thief to try to take it then. When I need money out of the money belt, I turn away from where people can see or do it in a restroom or other out-of-the way place (under the table when eating is another good time). I think even if someone knows you are wearing a money belt, you are pretty safe unless in a situation when you are concerned about violence or more brazen attempts to rob you, such as late-night on a dark street or in a big metro station. Haven't had anything taken yet, but I have had several occasions when I thought I was being targeted (eg., Paris, Strasbourg).

Old sailors carry cash in their socks. Never carry a wallet in your hip pocket.Walk facing the traffic. Keep away from the front of buildings. Never carry a shoulder bag and walk along the curb -- guys on motor scooters will hook the strap (Italians make a good living doing this). In any city, watch to see if anyone is looking at your closely. Beware of men or women carrying a raincoat over their arm. Look out for strangers coming straight at you with a folded newspaper in their hand (it may contain a squirt bottle of catchup or mustard, used as an attention diverter when they give you a shot). Look out for kids who circle you. If you see someone staring at you on the subway, get off quickly and catch the next train. Remember "The French Connection"? Well, it happens.

ok al, <BR> <BR>i don't think we need to be as stoic as you are about being careful. i'll be cautious, but not so much that i'll explore paris like it was a war zone. i fully intend to immerse myself in its cultural and artistic intensity. <BR> <BR>i do think that i'll keep my spending money in my sock though under my pants. <BR> <BR>daniel

With all due respect to those who "have never had a problem" and recommend "not looking like a tourist", pickpockets are a valid concern when visiting Paris. It is absolutely impossible to not "look like a tourist". Your map, dress, talking to your traveling companion(s), look of awe, will give you away. What is "common sense" for a seasoned veteran is far beyond that of a first-time visitor. While it is surely unnecessary to be overly frightened or paranoid by the prospect of pickpockets, it is certainly prudent to know what precautions one should take to avoid any mishaps.

<BR>I have never had any trouble with pickpockets in Paris in many visits there. Rode the metro a lot, all lines, day and night. Now Barcelona...that's a huge pickpocket haven. There I've been a victim of pickpockets (and they did get physical). <BR>Barcelona is the worst city in Europe by far for pickpockets and I think the police there are in on it.

Donna, you are right on. I have also "never had a problem" with pickpockets in Paris, but I attributed that more to luck than anything else and am fully aware that I could be a victim anytime. From what I've read of the subject, if you get picked, you will get plucked. Sure, some manage to escape without any losses, but not many. I don't get parnoia about it, but it is on my mind and I do take certain precautions. I think the biggest precaution I take is not to be carrying a lot of valuables around with me. Not that I particularly care about losing anything, but at least if it does happen, I can continue on with my trip and I won't be losing a lot. <BR> <BR>As for "not looking like a tourist", as you point out, that is extremely difficult to do, but not impossible. However, even if you can pull that off, and you are fluent in french, your accent is almost a dead give away. After living in Paris for a year, I was amazed how even I could pick out an American tourist even when their french was near impeccable. I was also able to pick out french speaking people from areas outside of Paris. <BR> <BR>Reef, I have never been to Barcelona, but I don't doubt what you say. I have been to Milan and Rome and I do think it is worse there than in Paris. They stole my fiance's pocketbook in the lobby of a 4-star hotel while we were checking out in October. I was at the cashier paying our bill and she was standing a short distance from me when another clerk held out our passports for her to take. She was in the process of removing her jacket and put her bag down for an instant and reached forward to take them. That's when someone snatched her bag. My fiance didn't even notice it until we went outside and were loading the car with our bags. Fortunately, she had our passports in her hand and I had our tickets. She didn't lose any cash (it was our last day in Italy), but she did lose her credit cards, driver's license, etc. Th e thief did charge $1700 on one credit card, another $1700 on anther card and attempted, but was refused a $3000 charge on another card. This happened in October and it is now March. One of the credit card companies is still investigating and is giving her a hard time about the charges.

Now for the lighter side of this "pickpocket paranoia". Three images come to mind. First, I have to chuckle everytime I think of my husband dropping trou in Paris to get at his money belt. Talk about leaving yourself vulnerable! Second, we had a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. My husband walked away to throw something in a trash can, and a gypsy woman with a baby walked up to me. I had heard to much about the devious nature of the pickpockets, so I was ready for anything! Except for the very courteous, very humble plea "Please madam, just a coin." I was so shocked that I gave her a small note and she thanked me and walked away! Lastly, upon arrival in Paris, we got to our hotel and hated it. So I sat at a cafe while my husband walked from hotel to hotel in the rain to get a different room. Succeeding, he came back to get me and we went to the hotel. After half an hour, I said to him "where is your daypack?" In a state of total panic (because our "life" was in the backpack), he ran back to the cafe. The daypack was still sitting under the table. <BR> <BR>Next Thursday, we are taking the kids to Paris and Italy. We are expecting that one of us might get ripped off, so we're taking precautions, but are not totally paranoid. If we do, our losses will be limited and it will be a good object lesson for the kids. Advice: Don't let this issue put a damper on your travels!

I was in Barcelona for my honeymoon in 1997 and never had any trouble with pickpockets or any other kind of threatening behavior even when wandering the dark streets of the Latin Quarter late at night. I even kept my wallet in my back pocket the entire time as I would back at home. <BR> <BR>There must be something to this "looking like a tourist" thing. You don't think that locals in France, Spain or Italy carry their money/credit cards around in a money belt do you?

yeah, i hear you, but it's too easy to be mistaken for a japanese tourist when you're korean like i am. <BR> <BR>so i'll look like a tourist no matter what. even in singapore i looked like a tourist (but probably because of my clothes and bald head). <BR> <BR>i'm sticking with the money belt. i'm not going to attribute luck to keeping my wallet intact. yes, i understand the idea of trying to be aware of your surroundings and what not, but i also don't want to spoil my experience at such places as the louvre and notre dame by continuously looking suspiciously at the people next to me. <BR> <BR>daniel

Many, many trips to Europe and one to Morocco, and I've only had two experiences with thieves: <BR>1) In Paris, about 8 years ago, someone picked my coat pocket...and got my Paris Par Arrondissement book. Man, that was a REALLY GOOD guide, and I miss it even today. <BR>2) In Milan, just a month ago, the gypsy pickpockets attacked us on our way to see the Last Supper. Their ploy was pulling out a wrinkled newspaper. Knowing what was afoot, we started pushing and shoving them away (I got in one of their faces and SCREAMED "BACK OFF NOW!"). They backed off, and we rounded the corner to get in line for the convent. Around the corner they came, and if you ever wanted to learn Italian swears, this was the place to do it. The Italians in line screamed obscenities at them and pushed them HARD. Later in the day, in the plaza in front of the duomo, we saw the polizia quickly grab and hustle a gypsy pickpocket into a Black Maria. <BR> <BR>I carry a leather wallet-on-a-strap that I wear either around my neck or bandolier-style across my chest, inside my jacket or sweater. If I carry a totebag or small backpack, it's over my shoulder and held tight with my elbow. I never wear a backpack on my back. If I get money from an ATM, I make sure it's in a well-lit/travelled area and put the money away before I leave the ATM; if I'm with someone, they stand with their back to me and watch the area. <BR>Anyplace that attracts crowds - tourist spots, street shows, accidents - attracts pickpockets. <BR>For men, maybe a front pocket with a zipper AND a button flap might be the place to put your wallet.

I raised the "looking like a tourist" <BR>issue several messages ago above, but after reading the subsequent responses, <BR>I'll amend my suggestion. It may be possible to keep "looking like a tourist" to a minimum, but few of us will entirely get away with such a deception no matter what we wear or how we speak. It would be more likely, it seems to me, that we can try not behaving or ACTING like tourists, to the extent possible. That would mean being aware of our surroundings down below even while we're looking up in awe; keeping our valuables out of sight and yet knowing exactly where they are at all times (and I still haven't,don't and won't carry hidden wallets, but that's a personal choice); keeping totebags closed, with the wallet at the bottom, and the bag close to the body; no backpacks; no dangling fancy cameras; <BR>not carrying too much cash or cards at one time--that's what ATMs are for; <BR>separating cash from cards so the whole caboodle can't be lost at once; using hotel safes; and being wary when in crowded places or when being approached by strangers. All of that said, if statistically some of us are bound to be victims anyway just due to bad luck, at least we can try to keep the losses to a minimum. <BR>

I raised the "looking like a tourist" <BR>issue several messages ago above, but after reading the subsequent responses, <BR>I'll amend my suggestion. It may be possible to keep "looking like a tourist" to a minimum, but few of us will entirely get away with such a deception no matter what we wear or how we speak. It would be more likely, it seems to me, that we can try not behaving or ACTING like tourists, to the extent possible. That would mean being aware of our surroundings down below even while we're looking up in awe; keeping our valuables out of sight and yet knowing exactly where they are at all times (and I still haven't,don't and won't carry hidden wallets, but that's a personal choice); keeping totebags closed, with the wallet at the bottom, and the bag close to the body; no backpacks; no dangling fancy cameras; <BR>not carrying too much cash or cards at one time--that's what ATMs are for; <BR>separating cash from cards so the whole caboodle can't be lost at once; using hotel safes; and being wary when in crowded places or when being approached by strangers. All of that said, if statistically some of us are bound to be victims anyway just due to bad luck, at least we can try to keep the losses to a minimum. <BR>

I raised the "looking like a tourist" <BR>issue several messages ago above, but after reading the subsequent responses, <BR>I'll amend my suggestion. It may be possible to keep "looking like a tourist" to a minimum, but few of us will entirely get away with such a deception no matter what we wear or how we speak. It would be more likely, it seems to me, that we can try not behaving or ACTING like tourists, to the extent possible. That would mean being aware of our surroundings down below even while we're looking up in awe; keeping our valuables out of sight and yet knowing exactly where they are at all times (and I still haven't,don't and won't carry hidden wallets, but that's a personal choice); keeping totebags closed, with the wallet at the bottom, and the bag close to the body; no backpacks; no dangling fancy cameras; <BR>not carrying too much cash or cards at one time--that's what ATMs are for; <BR>separating cash from cards so the whole caboodle can't be lost at once; using hotel safes; and being wary when in crowded places or when being approached by strangers. All of that said, if statistically some of us are bound to be victims anyway just due to bad luck, at least we can try to keep the losses to a minimum. <BR>

While it's probably true that "if you get picked, you get plucked", I think the basic theme here is how not to get "selected" as a good target.

Dear ELVIRA: <BR> <BR>I, too, have heard of this Paris Par Arrondissement guide book. Where can I buy one of those in Paris? <BR> <BR>Daniel

The above-mentioned map-books of Paris are available in any magazine/newspaper kiosk or store, souvenir shops, etc.

OK, one more thing: <BR> <BR>If a bunch of pickpocketers come up to me with a wrinkled newspaper or cardboard, I plan on really being mean and swearing, pushing them away, saying stuff like "enculez", or "sortez, canard". <BR> <BR>Is that really bad to do in public? I basically want these punks to leave us alone if we're confronted. <BR> <BR>Or maybe I'm still being too paranoid. God. I'm gonna be a commando in Paris... <BR> <BR>Daniel

Daniel, you can buy the Paris Plan by Arrondissment at any bookstore or Kiosk, maybe. It is excellent and a must have if you want to find anything. The tourist maps that are handed out at the hotels and other places leave a lot of the streets off and can drive you crazy when trying to find someplace.

Daniel, chill out. It is certainly good to be aware of what can happen, but most people never run into any real problems. It is not worth worrying about to the extent that you don't enjoy yourself. I have to admit that the only time I always take extra precautions beyond wearing a money belt is on and around the subways in Paris. Just keep one hand on your belongings and enjoy the ride. For example, when I use a backpack, I put it around to my side and kind of under my arm when in crowds like this.

I went to Paris last year with my French teacher and classmates and am going back this year with my parents. Perhaps because we were such obvious tourists, we had at least three run-ins with pickpockets (our group was somewhere around twenty people). Someone mentioned one of the gyspy women and seemed surprised that she didn't try to steal anything from them. For the record, this is generally how they gyspies work: the women carry their babies around and beg. They can be very persistant, but just keep walking and they won't do anything to you. The men sell cheap toys (styrofoam gliders and the like) and postcards, always for ten francs. Their older children, however, are the ones to look out for. They are just the right height to pick your pocket unnoticed. This nearly happened to me. I did have a neckpouch that was meant to be worn under my shirt, but I had various problems with it: it wasn't quite flat enough, I felt like I was being strangled when I had the pouch hanging down my front and a hat hanging down my back, and, to be quite frank, it bounced off my bra a lot. :) So after not too long I gave up and put it in my backpack, where I was already carrying water, a map, etc. I had heard about what pickpockets could do to backpacks (like slashing them open with a knife), but I figured I was alert enough that nothing could happen to mine. Also, I had the money pouch buried deep inside, where they couldn't have gotten to it even if they had slashed the bag. Anyway, once when I was on the Metro, a little kid on rollerblades ran into me from behind. I said 'Pardon' and moved so he could get through. A while later, a woman caught my eye and said 'Votre sac est sejour' ('Your bag is open'). Lo and behold, so it was. Luckily, he had only been able to open my very front pocket, which had pens and nothing else in it. After we got off the metro, I told my group about, and one of my (male) friends said, 'Oh...so that's why he was feeling my butt...He was looking for a wallet!' <BR>The other pickpocket instance was when a guy stuck his hand in the front pocket of our teacher's purse. She just looked at him and started laughing, and he blushed and moved away. When we finally persuaded her to tell us why, she told us that all she had in that pocket was a tampon! Anyway, be careful on the Metro - if you have a backpack, hold it in front of you for the duration of the ride. Don't be alarmed when they announce on the intercom 'Ladies and gentlemen, pickpockets are in the station'; this is true all the time, so you're not in any more danger than usual. This is just a pre-recorded message that they play at regular intervals, and it supposedly scares pickpockets *away* for a while. Also, be wary of anyone on rollerblades - not just because of my experience, but also because when we were in Cannes we saw a woman on rollerblades doing a sort of sidewalk dance show, and there were little boys, also on rollerblades, circulating among the spectators like sharks, just waiting to pick their pockets.