USA Wanderers presents: the top 10 pickpocket cities
They say travel calms the spirit and broadens the mind. While it’s true that the world is home to some of the most amazing places, unfortunately, travel crime does exist even in destinations like these.
In fact, travel lovers are the most likely victims of pickpockets around the world. Whether true or not, thieves often view travelers as wealthy, making tourists a prime opportunity in a pickpocket’s mind.
The last thing you want when going on a vacation abroad is to end up without your money, phone, or even the entire bag. We’ve rounded up the top pickpocket cities in the world where this is most likely to occur.
Don’t let the increased pickpocketing risk stop you from visiting these iconic destinations; just minimize the chances by staying vigilant and alert. Without further ado, here are the cities where the chances of being prey to a thief are high!
1. Barcelona, Spain
The first entry on our list of the top pickpocket cities is Barcelona. The place with the highest number of pickpockets in Spain’s capital is the iconic Las Ramblas pedestrian walkway.
You’re more likely to fall victim to a purse-snatcher during peak tourist season when it’s super crowded, making these famous walkways perfect for this type of crime. According to some data, last year there were an average of 11 robberies every hour in Barcelona, making it one of the most pickpocket cities in the world.
How to avoid it: It may sound simple, but it’s extremely important to have all of your valuables tightly zipped away in a purse or bag while you’re walking in tourist areas. Zips on bags should also face inward where possible.
2. Paris, France
Next on our list of the top pickpocket cities is Paris. France’s capital may be known as the city of love, but if you aren’t vigilant, you can easily fall out of love with this destination. As one of the most popular places in the world, it’s little wonder that tourists visiting this place have had issues with pickpockets at the Eiffel Tower.
According to experts, out in the open, the chances of you being a victim of a purse-snatcher are small. The underground with the city’s metro system is where pickpockets will likely strike, so be careful if you visit Paris and take the subway to go from one place to another.
How to avoid it: Try not to advertise yourself to potential pickpockets, stay alert, and don’t overtly flash any valuable items, jewelry, or cash.
3. Rome, Italy
Next on our list of the top pickpocket cities is Rome. Italy is definitely one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe, but it isn’t all sunshine and fresh pasta. The historical landmarks and iconic places of interest draw thousands of visitors every week.
Unfortunately, this makes Rome one of the top pickpocket cities in the world. Popular attractions such as the ancient Colosseum or the stunning Fontana di Trevi are a magnet for enormous crowds, eager to see with their own eyes some of Italy’s most historical landmarks.
This is the perfect opportunity for purse-snatchers to strike and swipe your wallet, phone, money, camera, or anything else they can lay their hands on. The famous tradition of throwing coins into Fontana di Trevy is actually putting you at risk of being robbed!
As tourists are either distracted while throwing their money in or are looking into their wallets to get coins out, they become an easy target.
How to avoid it: Take your coins out well before getting to the fountain, and make sure your purse or bag is well-secured when you get there.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
No. 4 on our list of the top pickpocket cities in the world is Prague. The Czech Republic’s capital is packed with breathtaking baroque architecture, its world-famous medieval Astronomical Clock, Gothic churces, and the famously iconic Charles Bridge spanning the Vlatva River.
All of this sounds like a paradise for any travel enthusiast, but, unfortunately, Prague is also a paradise for pickpocketers. Similar to the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, Charles Bridge has its own ritual. The general belief is that if you touch the statue of St. John of Nepomuk and make a wish, it will come true within one year.
Unfortunately, purse-snatchers see it as the perfect opportunity to distract you while they steal your phone, wallet, or camera.
How to avoid it: We know that, as a travel lover, you want to have your eyes everywhere when you’re exploring a new place. However, it’s important to try keeping your wits about you and your bag attached to you at all times.
Keep reading to discover other pickpocket cities you should know about!
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Next on our list of the top pickpocket cities in the world is Amsterdam. As with any destination on this list, it’s important to remain alert and aware of thieves while in Amsterdam.
This is especially important if you visit the city during major events like Amsterdam Prise, New Year’s Eve, or King’s Day, when the cafes, bars, and public spaces are more crowded than ever, providing a happy hunting ground for petty criminals.
Besides purse-snatchers, there’s another phenomenon you’ll have to take into account. In the past few years, many tourists have been mugged by “policemen”. Fake policemen, that is.
According to newspaper reports, these folks are dressed up in uniforms they bought online. But as a traveler yourself, you may not know how to spot a fake policeman. If a guy like this approaches you wanting to see your wallet, rest assured that you’re about to be separated from your money.
What you should do in a situation like this is not show your wallet, yell for help, and call the police.
6. Hanoi, Vietnam
So far, we’ve had European cities steeped in culture and history, but also in pickpockets. Since they are everywhere in the world, we’ve also included two non-European travel destinations where you’re likely to get robed.
So, no. 6 on our list of the top pickpocket cities is Hanoi, Vietnam. Whether you’re looking to marvel at the amazing ancient temples and colonial architecture, learn more about Vietnam’s past conflict, or simply explore a culture that’s unique on its own, Hanoi is the deal.
Be careful, though, when visiting it, especially if you’re near the Old Quarter. As the prime operating area for pickpockets, there’s a pretty high risk of falling victim to them.
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Last but not least on our list of the top pickpocket cities is Buenos Aires. If you ever find yourself in the wonderful capital of Argentina, be vigilant and keep your valuables close.
Spotting a tourist is incredibly easy for the purse-snatchers, and once you’ve been targeted, they will strike. There’s a common trick among pickpockets: they will gently dot some mayo or mustard on your back. Then, a seemingly friendly “bystander” will approach you, telling you that you have bird droppings on your back.
Once you’re distracted, their accomplice will move in and try to steal your wallet or phone.
Takeaway
Don’t put off exploring some of the most wonderful cities in the world. Make sure you keep your bag, phone, and camera secure, and always stay alert to your surroundings. When traveling in one of these pickpocket cities, make sure you have an anti-theft bag with you. If you don’t have one, Amazon has plenty of options!
If you liked our article on the top pickpocket cities, you may also want to read 5 Common Tourist Traps and How to Avoid Them.
