Pickpockets, What are your tricks to avoid them?
 

Obviously, Pickpockets are an issue in just about every large city in Europe with special emphasis on multi-cultural and port cities (i.e. London, Barcelona, Rome, Paris). What are your tricks for not getting pickpocketed, or better yet for not getting targeted?
I've always thought the less touristy you look the fewer times you are going to have issues!
Looking forward to everyone's opinion!

What is this overwhelming concern with pickpockets - this is not the first post. Come to Europe, behave sensibly, and enjoy yourself.

The only time it happened to me was in New York, and I was not paying attention. But I don't automatically assume it will happen the next time I go there, or to another big city.

Carlux, I don't think that answered the OP question....
"What is this overwhelming concern with pickpockets..."
well, for one thing: people carry $$,camara,id,some carry passport (i just take a copy) etc,etc...no one wants to let that spoil their vacation...
On your Pickpocket in NY...of course it can happen anywhere...I don't travel much in the US, so i cant tell you, but there is a reason people are concerned...because they are "getting pickpocketed" that is a fact!...

so, to answer SPBARCA's question;
I totally think like you, i try to dress well, as in nice jeans,no tenis shoes, no bright colors (which I love) but I don't want to draw more attention to my self than needed.

I also walk very straight,tall & sure of myself...like with a purpose...i've never been pickpocketed! & i travel by my self always.
I'm also looking forward to other posts!

Yes - you don't want to look "touristy" - but let's face it - you are going to anyway no matter how you try to blend in!

That being said, I think you need to follow some common sense. Don't take out your wallet on public streets, keep only the barest amount of $/credit cards you absolutely need.

Men - don't keep your wallet in your back pocket.
Ladies - make use of any zippered compartments in your purse.
Don't sling your purse over a restaurant chair.
Don't flaunt expensive jewelry.

Make copies of all credit cards just in case.
Just be aware, sensible and have fun!!

Absolutely no tricks are required. Just be careful.

Keep credit cards and bills in front pocket. That way if a pickpocket tries to grab your goods you'll get something out of the experience.

"Don't take out your wallet on public streets"

That is ridiculous. Take out your wallet whenever you need to take it out, just like Parisians do. If you are acting totally paranoid, that will certainly increase your interest as a target.

Pickpockets are not a uniquely European thing even if reading this forum you get the feeling that that is the case.

Wear what you want, bright colours, tennis shoes, anything - Europeans all do. You will feel happier in what you normally wear than in some special vacation uniform.

Be alert, especially when boarding leaving public transport or queuing for anything. Don't have your wallet in a pocket - any pocket. Have zips on bags and use them. Carry the bag in front of you. Be careful when you visit public loos.
Don't carry wodges of cash about with you, and certainly don't flash it about if you feel you must have a lot of money about your person.

I was a victim in the Barcelona metro - fortunately my loss was small as I carry limited cash. The theives actually threw away the coin purse they had stealthily extracted from my zipped bag in a nearby trash can with a credit card untouched!
I now regard any bump on public transportation as a potential attempt.

The day after our event we went back to the same metro station and sat down watching and within 10 minutes we can see a group going into action. They stand at the end of the platform and identify their target - then one will block the door and another move up and fish from behind. We moved up behind them and started yelling "ladrones, thief" - they ran. I am encouraging all us Fodorites to form an unofficial posse - watch for these theives, they are easy to spot and shout out!

I always take a small day backpack with me when travelling - just to fit wallet, camera, umbrella, and perhaps a small bottle of water. Then I sling it around and carry it in front of my body. A thief would have trouble undoing the zippers right in front of me! In Lucerne once a friend was sitting in a public place; she lit a cigarette and put the cigs & lighter down next to her. Got distracted, turned around and they were gone! As previously said, just be aware and sensible...it can happen anywhere.

Nobody has ever tried to pickpocket me in Europe or elsewhere, I just am not careless with my belongings, that's all. I don't have things dangling around open at my side, I don't carry backpacks, etc. I don't lay my purse down in metro car, I don't carry an open purse (some are open at the top), in fact, I don't let my purse dangle down when I'm on public transportation, I always carry it with my hand over the opening (which is a zipper top).

I think people who are pickpocketed are just carelss with their things. People only pickpocket people when they think they are not watching exactly what they are doing, of course. So if your belongings can be removed without you seeing someone, you can be pickpocketed. Mine cannot.

I don't use money belts, either.

Keep your important items in your hotel: passport (take a copy), ID, keys of home, irreplaceable photos, airline tickets…
Don't carry anything in the back pocket.
Don't hang your jacket on the back of chair.
Move away from people a little too close in the subway.
Don't wear expensive jewelry/watch.

I'm currently in Rome and had read all the warnings.

My impressions and experiences: People wear whatever they want. I see every kind of clothing, shoes, etc. In fact, it's much more casual than I imagined. I see a lot of cross body bags and women (locals especially) clutch onto their bags on the metro/buses. I also see a lot of sneakers, tanks, shorts, skinny jeans, short dresses, long dresses, etc. etc.

No matter what you are wearing the tourists stand out with their cameras, maps, guide books, etc.

I just use common sense:

1. I use a cross body bag and my money is in a coin purse inside the purse (zippered up).

2. In large crowds I physically hold on to the purse.

3. I only keep 1 credit card and a small amount of cash. That way if I do get robbed, they aren't getting everything.

4. On buses/metros the bag is in front of my body and my hand is on it at all times.

I avoid the vendors pushing their wares and walk with confidence.

I would do this in any major city....so it's not any different whether I am at home (in a major US city) or on vacation.

Well shut my mouth and call me careless.

I have been pickpocketed and I have stopped attempted pickpocketing. Now I take extra precautions.

I use a crossbody bag. I have a large one that I use when actually traveling, and I have sewn a secret pocket into it. In go the passports, credit cards, and most of the cash.

I have a small one I use during the day, with inner zipper pockets, where I carry a credit card and cash. The rest go in a safe.

And I follow all the other precautions mentioned above.

I travel in NYC several times every year and have never been a victim to a pick pocket there. That doesn't mean that I will deny that New York has pick pockets.

"Keep credit cards and bills in front pocket."

My husband would disagree with this advice. He also believed that he would certainly know if anyone tried to take his wallet from his front pocket. Well, he was wrong, and someone on the Madrid Metro relieved him of it one morning.

The Metro car was crowded and we were standing by the door. When the doors opened at a stop, a man standing next to us told my husband that a man who was just stepping off the train had stolen his wallet. Of course, we all jumped off the train and my husband and a traveling companion gave chase. Picture two 60+ guys chasing a 20-something local. We wives waited by the Metro entrance and ten minutes later, we were all headed back to the hotel to make notifying phone calls. After thinking about it, I concluded that this was probably a pair of thieves. The "helpful" man on the train actually had the wallet, while his partner in crime was the runner.

This was our first experience with pickpocketing in Europe after many trips and lengthy residence there, so it can happen to anyone. I'm very careful with my purse, and husband's wallet no longer travels in an accessible pocket.

Of course pickpocketing is not uniquely European, but when it happens to you, it is an annoying and time-consuming event while you deal with notifying various credit cards, etc. In our case, time spent dealing with it was our only loss apart from a small amount of cash. Christina and hetismij give good advice to be careful and alert, especially in those places where the risk is high (public transportation, crowds, etc.)

I would never carry a wallet and if I did I would not carry it in a front pocket. A front pants pocket is made for a pickpocket. The front pocket is lose and they can have your wallet and everything else before you know it. I wear a money belt that loops over my belt where I carry my credit cards and extra money. I only carry enough money in my front pocket for expensives at the time. If I need extra money, I will go in a store and use the bathroom or behind a clothes rack to get the extra money. I do not wear jewelry except for a cheap wrist watch. The only clothes that I bring home are my shirts and socks. I take worn clothes that I am ready to get rid of and throw away after I wear them. So I do not look very good. I really don't care. I probably will never see those people again. You do not need to impress anyone.

suec1.. good for you! Love it!

Eight years ago one of our group had his wallet stolen in Paris, and one of the biggest problems was that they had to buy new Chunnel tickets because he couldn't produce the credit card that he had used for the prepaid tickets. Oddly enough, the new tickets were cheaper.

oh -- as to the question, what tricks do you use...? I sewed a little zippered pouch that has a cord that attaches to a belt loop. It is just big enough to hold a credit card and some cash. (Got the idea from the ones that come with/used to come with Ex Officio pants.) If someone tried to take it out of my pocket, they'd soon realize it is attached to my pants!! I've used it on numerous trips in Germany, Holland, Italy and France.

Tricks?

I don't use tricks. I travel around European cities the way I do around here in the USA. No tricks are useful. No matter where I am in the world I walk around with a purse that is sort of like a message bag, I guess. I have it slung across my shoulder. Everything I own that's of value is in there. I refuse to use a money belt - I think they are more trouble than they are worth and are stupid - you have to do dumb things to get into them and get your money.

After all the tips,be careful, don't look like a tourist,wear etc.you need to remeber one thing-the pickpockets are PROFESSIONALS!
I know "smart", well traveled people who have been pick pocketed-just do the best you can and don't obsess about it!

We were in Paris last week,and used the metro frequently.We are aware of our surroundings at all times.My husband wore a little zippered camera bag on his belt.(Money and credit cards were in a secured area.We noticed some young girls ,maybe 14 years old in a group as we approached the metro.3 of them waited until the doors were ready to close,then they got on.It was crowded at this time.My husband thought they were innocent school girls.He noticed one putting her backpack up in front of her.As he was watching her,the 3 decided to hurry and get off.His zippered pouch was open,but luckily they didn't want the camera.You have to be alert anywhere you go.

We are just ending our travels to Rome, Naples and Florence. We have not been in any situation where we thought we should be extra careful, although pickpockets are difficult to identify. But it looks like Italy and its local authorities are really trying to clean up areas like its main train stations. The notorious gypsy children have been absent in our travels, while the police has been ubiquitous.

Oh for heaven's sake. Does every intelligent new query on Fodor's about travel issues have to bring out the swaggering loudmouths who want to insult the posters about what-- never mind.

spbarca,

Ignore the aging "in-my-day" insult ninnie -- or if you like that sort of thing, head over to the Fodor's lounge where they cluck and humph endlessly.

Many pickpockets rely on distracting a potential victim by spilling groceries, having their child trip in front of you, approaching you sweetly with a map looking helpless. Ignore them too, especially in train stations and around tourist sites. If you don't know someone, don't talk to them or stop to assist them.

Before entering a train station in Europe, it's good to have taken the cash you'll need to buy the ticket out of your wallet. If you get change, put it in a shirt pocket or just hold it until you are on the train. Don't take out your wallet to stow your change.

Pickpocketing is actually rather rare in many places in the Western Hemisphere, where street theives find it simply easier to menace you with weapons, brute force or outnumbering you in order to threaten you to give up your dough -- rather than develop the fine motor skills to deftly filch your valuables with you not knowing it. A money belt or a cross-body bag makes no sense in the US and may even expose you to danger. In many locations in Europe -- especially port towns -- it makes sense.

Be aware of your surroundings, wear purse cross over your body, not on shoulder, try to sit down on the metro or bus, and don't let your guard down. If a bus was too crowded I waited for the next one.

I cannot beleive the number of posts about pickpockets in europe. You will find them in every city and suburb in the world - europe doesn't have the market cornered - except for 1 or 2 notorious places (like the ramblas in Barcelona).

A friend of mine had the purse snatched out of her shopping cart in the parking lot in a very upscale town on Long Island. And I saw a woman;s purse stolen off a chair in a sidewalk cafe in Greenwich CT (than which there is no places more upscale).

The answer is very simple.

Always be aware of your surroundings - and people who may be sizing you up.

Never let go of your purse. Don't leave it on a counter in a store or on a table in a hotel dining room. Just don't let go of it at all. When eating put it on your lap under the napkin. If it has a long handle wrap that around your knee or ankle.

For men - keep your valuable in your inside breast pocket. If not wearing a jacket keep it in a front pants pocket. Don;t carry an overstuffed wallet with tons of small bills and junk in it - keep the wallet small and slim and less noticeable.

I have been to europe now almost 80 times - many of them taking the London tube, Paris metro, St Pet subway and similar - and have never had any problem. I must admit in Italy I either walk or take a cab - the buses are just too crowded and slow. But I have spend considerable time in tourist sights, some very crowded. And neither I nor my companions have ever had a problem.

Caveat: I am a native New Yorker and things that are obvious to me seem to be a mystery to others.

<i>"Absolutely no tricks are required."</i>
<i>"No tricks are useful."</i>

Some say you live and learn. Even though I'm in Italy a lot, I am a tourist and I carry very expensive camera equipment whenever I'm out and about, at all hours. I speak Italian quite well but no one would ever suggest I was a local (even though I know the city as well the mayor).

After two attacks by Roma children (also known as gypsies), I got smart. For the third attack, I pulled out my spray can of dust-off and pointed it at the brats. The minute they saw the can, they ran. Any small can of spray will work, even breath freshener. Obviously, you don't want to actually spray minty fresh in someone's face. The gesture to spray should do the trick. You might have difficulty getting aerosol past airport security but a small pump bottle, like hairspray, will also work.

Why so many attacks? When I'm in work mode, I shut out the rest of the world. It often takes me 10-15 minutes to set up a shot, and if I'm waiting for a cloud to move, the wait can be much longer. I'm good at concentration so I'm not easily distracted. I often don't pay attention to what's going on ten feet away. This also makes me a sitting duck, at times, and now with my new trick, I feel much safer. I'm fully insured so I don't worry about my equipment.

I'm a street-smart New Yorker who was mugged in the early 80's. I was lucky. I could have been stabbed to death. It was two guys against me. After that incident, I took self-defense lessons. I now have hands and legs that could kill. You don't want to mess with me. I'm not a violent person and to look at me you'd never know I had such physical power. However, this sense of security is empowering as I look quite natural pulling out my spray can to scare off bratty kids who aggressively touch you as they steal.

The latest by NYCFS is destined to be a classic on this board...

In anticipation for my first trip to Lisbon, I read lots of comments on TA from fellow travelers and I was struck by all the cautions about pickpockets, especially on the infamous Tram 28.

Once there and on Tram 28, I saw a well dressed, clean cut young man in his twenties carrying a jacket over his arm. It was June and quite hot so it seemed odd that anyone would need a jacket - unless you wanted to keep one of your arms and hand covered which is precisely what happened. He stood holding onto the railing in front of an older man who was seated and with one hand on the rail the other hand, covered by the jacket, was unzipping the older gent's "fanny pack." I stood up and yelled out at him, he withdrew his hand and then quickly exited the tram at the next stop. When he ran out, the tram operator admitted that he was a pickpocket which seems shameful but I suppose these workers are not empowered to keep them off.

The next day we boarded the train to Sintra and sure enough the cars nearest to the station doors were full of young men, presumably ready to work the crowd. I followed the suggestions of other travelers to walk to the forward cars and sit among locals who don't tolerate the pickpockets.

It's too bad that the Lisbon government/police are not taking a more pro-active role in protecting those of us who are willing to pour our money into their economy. But this is just a vent on my part and has nothing to do with the post.

Follow the suggestions above. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Don't let your guard down and be overly trusting of strangers - street smarts will serve you well.

For non-American readers Wyatt Earp (revolver), Doc Holliday (shotgun) and NYCSnob (breath freshener) are legends for their shootout with the Clantons at the O.K. Corral.

"Obviously" is one of those weesel words like "Clearly" that is used when there is little evidence but it starts everyone thinking the same way, much used by NLP practioners when they are feel lazy. Still taking all that in mind

1) Don't carry stuff you don't mind losing
2) Do learn a bunch of words in something exotic ( I use serbo croatian) so when approached launch into it loudly
3) Do agree a PANIC word, we use "Ahoy" which means wake up soemthing is about to go down and come closer to me.
4) Where a poor beaten hat, people in hats disappear in crowds, (no really try it)

Finally do write to the major of Barcelona whenever you are bored as something has to be done

After a lifetime of travel, I think I have developed a good strategy to avoid being prey to pickpockets.

I always leave my passport (a diplomatic one issued by the Vatican) in a safe deposit box in the national bank of the country concerned. I don’t carry money or cards myself, as these are in the custody of my two armed bodyguards. They keep all valuables in money belts underneath their built-proof vests. They have orders to physically and mentally disable anyone suspicious who approaches me.

As I like to keep a full record of all my travels, I am always accompanied by a full film crew, with sound recordist, make-up artist and hair stylist. Although I insist on prompt service and free iced water at restaurants, this can delay the progress of the meal and inconvenience other diners. However, I make a point of never leaving a tip, since that can appear insulting in some cultures. I always wear a tuxedo and black tie to dine.

I am fortunate in being fluent in most European languages, including Basque (Euskara). My use of the subjunctive in Romansh is famed throughout both the Upper and Lower Engadine.

As a respecter of local standards of dress and manners, I never travel without a selection of berets and espadrilles. Many people barely notice that I have graced their town with my presence.

And you live in New York. Right, chartley?

it's not funny. I am really worried about pickpockets. Maybe I am not as sophisticated a traveller as some of you are.

You can think you are a very sophisticated traveller and still have your pocket picked.

Zeppole is correct, distraction is a common method and difficult to avoid once you are targetted. I had a "baby" thrust into my arms and my handbag unzipped and plundered in a few seconds. My husband was surrounded by a horde of children at the Colisseum, but fortunately recognised their tactics and evaded the tiny hands.

These incidents were lone events in dozens of trips abroad, but it is arrogant to think it cannot happen to you. The pickpockets are professionals, and you have other things on your mind, like enjoying your surroundings.

I had it happen to me this year when I was looking down onto the Forum in Rome and yes I'm European. A hand came around my belly to what I think is called a bum-bag. I slapped it away.

I think the issue is that this is not a common problem but it is a real problem in high touristy areas all over the world. Some areas are worse than others. If you want no crime go to the Azores or northern Finland.

The solutions are described above, take care but don't let it spoil your holiday.

Pickpockets won't bother you if you have no money. It works for me.

So, Chartley: You wouldn't by any chance happen to have a twin brother named Peter who frequents Venice?

What chapla said: they are professionals. If they want your stuff, they are going to get it. You just have to hope that the people around you look sufficiently clueless that they will be targeted instead of you.

I think part of the problem is that a lot of people are raised to be "nice" and to respond in some polite way to random people.

You have to give up that idea.

You don;t owe any stranger anything - and if anyone approaches you - leave. If anyone thrusts something at you - ignore it - let it drop - hold our bag against your body and turn away.

You have to learn a different set of attitudes - to be aware and suspicious of everyone.

As for the baby trick - it would never occur to me that it actually was a baby - and even if it WAS a baby - I still don;t want it. (Really this sounds like a Seinfeld episode - who the hell would ever throw a baby at you?)

I must admit a woman hawking nasty lace tablecloths in Spain was highly indignant when I pulled another tourist away from her stand (a confederate was going to grab her purse while the victim was distracted). She cursed me loudly - not in Spanish - and when I laughed she threw a tablecloth at me. When I yelled police she and her friend disappeared immediately.

(As I said, as a native New Yorker this is obvious to me - taught me as a child - as in this is normal behavior in public. People who don;t get this - practice. You really don't have to be NICE - to anyone.)