Little trick I found out the hard way. Pickpockets board on a train, about five or six at once, pushing everyone on at the last minute. Meanwhile little hands unzipping bags (under my shirt), taking passport and cash. They jumped off at the next station, I realized I had been robbed when I got back to the hotel.<BR><BR>Be warned!

Thank you for this info, will be in Paris in May.

you mean you were not aware of this before arriving in Paris?

<BR>Thanks, Bob. I was not aware of this technique. Like you, I would have assumed that under my shirt was safe.

I'd also be watchful of those around you at foreign currency exchanges. My wife's aunt was warned by the clerk to be aware of the two girls standing behind her and to put her money away at the counter and not walk outside holding it. The two girls then followed her and were so brazen as to walk into the hotel lobby, which was only about 25 yards from the bank. I'm sure had she had a longer walk they would have gone for her purse.

Last year, I watched a documentary on French TV about how pickpockets operate on the Paris metro. As well as working in groups (which especially applies to youngsters), they stressed that pickpockets are often well-dressed (e.g. jacket and tie), and carry a carrier bag or newspaper with which they will subtly shield their hand as they remove items of value from unsuspecting victims. They tend not to look much at other passengers, but try to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

Susan, you mean that they got under your shirt? You are female, aren't you? And you didn't feel &quot;under your shirt&quot; a slick hand crawling around your bra?<BR><BR>I think I would notice if someone were fooling around around my family jewels.

Susan, you mean that they got under your shirt? You are female, aren't you? And you didn't feel &quot;under your shirt&quot; a slick hand crawling around your bra?<BR><BR>I think I would notice if someone were fooling around around my family jewels.

I have a coat for visiting Europe, it has four different inside zippered pockets. I thought this was reasonable protection, but now I'm not sure.<BR><BR> Keith

Thank you for the information, much appreciated. will take care when visitng Paris this summer.

Pickpockets have been working the French Metro and all other subway systems ever since they were built and most authorities have never found a way to stop it. One of the most common techniques is to have one person (a stall) get in the way of someone trying to board a train to join their family or friends. The person trying to get on the train is concentrating so hard, possibly even trying to push their way on, afraid the train will leave without them, that they don't notice the actual pickpocket who is behind them taking their wallet or the contents of their purse. It happens in seconds. Its usually only after you get on the train and it leaves the station that you notice you've been robbed. In the meantime, the pickpocket team remain in the station you just left.

<BR>Study the RATP transportation map! There is also a bus map on it. <BR>Never any problem. Very convenient as well, but needs to be studied a little more. Unless you are in a terrible hurry, it's far more pleasant and absolutely safe.<BR>Just one thing, if you have to change the bus, you need another ticket. But usually, the buses take you anyway and may even involve less walking, when you think about metro stops like Chatelet and alike...<BR>Think about it.<BR>

I am 20 something male and was mugged two weeks ago in the Paris metro. Entered the station just as it opened to get to the airport for an early flight. Group of teenage males surrounded me, held me while one fished my wallet out of my inside pocket. Luckily there was very little in it, but be aware of your surroundings!

Totally agree about the bus--we love it. If you have a Carte Orange then you just use it--no new ticket for transferring.<BR>We were targeted for pickpockets by a gang of &quot;kids&quot; with a sort of older girl who was the leader. It was at rush hour so cars were crowded--they pushed on behind us, pushing hard into the car. I felt a hand inside my coat and yelled at the &quot;child&quot; NON! Called to husband to watch his pocket which they were trying to get into. Being exposed as pickpockets they jumped off just as the doors closed. Didn't get anything.<BR>On our last trip we saw a similar group--I just stare at them to let them know we are onto them.

Gretchen, I had the same experience. A group of 5-6 teenage girls pushed and separated the two of us as we were entering the train in Paris last May. One then stood in front of me and pointed to her wrist as if asking for the time. I saw that a couple of them were between me and my friend, and called to her &quot;watch your bag&quot;. They then knew that we were on to them and jumped off just before the doors closed. We later saw another group doing the same to another woman on the train, and as she lifted her arm to look at her watch, my friend pushed it down and said &quot;thieves&quot;. Although one had partially unzipped her bag, they didn't end up getting anything.<BR>If you just pay attention to your surroundings, pickpockets are no more than a nuisance.

Let's get bakc to the first post again! Many people have questioned how somebody could get up INTO your shirt without you noticing. Man, am I intersted now! I hope you respond soon!