Have you ever been pickpocketed in Europe? What type of bag were you carrying at that time?

[Anonymous]

No but I have been pickpocketed in DC. Both times caring a tote style bag (the first time an open top bag and the second time zippered) and had my wallet lifted out while in crowded areas (once on the metro and one waiting in line at a sandwich place at lunch). I felt really stupid the second time it happened. I now only use zippered bags and I prefer crossbodies that I can swing in front of myself and cover with an arm in crowded spot (as opposed to a tote or backpack that is easier to swing onto your back when in a crowded place).

I also often keep my wallet and phone in a small cross body that I wear across my front separate from my larger bag. This is more to ensure quick and easy access but it also deters pickpockets. Basically you just want to avoid a situation where someone reaching into your bag (zipper or not) can be unnoticed.

The trend toward crossbody bags having shorter straps is a good one. While I think the look is meh I do like the short belt bag type bags worn cross-body style from a security and ease-of-access standpoint.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been all over Europe, never pick pocketed. My friend was robbed in Italy, someone cut her fanny pack off at street corner. Another time someone put their hand over hers in Italy bus and when they let go her rings were gone.
I would wear a money belt under a body suit when in Greece, or when in transit in airports, but I literally never had a problem anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anytime I travel I wear a small lululemon backpack ON MY FRONT, concealed. I had my husband wear a dude version of this in Europe, told him it was the trendy thing to do.
I wish he would have continued the trend in the states, not because of theft, but because he has to grab his keys, wallet, change, sunglasses, driving glasses and it takes him three minutes to get out of the car. Meanwhile, I simply grab my purse and go.
But, he won't

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also try not to walk around holding your phone out. Phone snatching is very common too, especially in crowded areas. It has happened to me and I’ve seen it happen to others too.

Also if you want to look like a tourist wear a backpack.

[Anonymous]

No, but I bought a Travelon purse, which has secure zippers and cut proof handles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, but I bought a Travelon purse, which has secure zippers and cut proof handles.

https://www.travelonbags.com/resistant-body.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also try not to walk around holding your phone out. Phone snatching is very common too, especially in crowded areas. It has happened to me and I’ve seen it happen to others too.

Also if you want to look like a tourist wear a backpack.

They know you are a tourist regardless of what kind of bag you use.

Anyway, who cares? You ARE a tourist and there is nothing wrong with that.

[Anonymous]

I just traveled through 6 regions of Italy (this is my 4th trip to Italy). I have never once been pickpocketed there, or anywhere in Europe.

If in cities, I have a crossbody with a zip top.

If more rural, a backpack. Worn on my back, not my front. And backpack worn in traveling through places like train stations, etc.

Most important is just being a sensible person that has a sense of awareness. Don't linger, walk with a purpose, and don't leave you bag on the floor when you stop to sit somewhere. Just be practical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anytime I travel I wear a small lululemon backpack ON MY FRONT, concealed. I had my husband wear a dude version of this in Europe, told him it was the trendy thing to do.
I wish he would have continued the trend in the states, not because of theft, but because he has to grab his keys, wallet, change, sunglasses, driving glasses and it takes him three minutes to get out of the car. Meanwhile, I simply grab my purse and go.
But, he won't

How on earth do you wear a backpack on your front, "concealed?" Are you 500lbs?

People who wear backpacks on the front are like spotlights on you as a tourist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also try not to walk around holding your phone out. Phone snatching is very common too, especially in crowded areas. It has happened to me and I’ve seen it happen to others too.

Also if you want to look like a tourist wear a backpack.

They know you are a tourist regardless of what kind of bag you use.

Anyway, who cares? You ARE a tourist and there is nothing wrong with that.

Tourists are targeted because they are unfamiliar with their surroundings. They also are likely to have cash, credit cards, passports or other important items on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just traveled through 6 regions of Italy (this is my 4th trip to Italy). I have never once been pickpocketed there, or anywhere in Europe.

If in cities, I have a crossbody with a zip top.

If more rural, a backpack. Worn on my back, not my front. And backpack worn in traveling through places like train stations, etc.

Most important is just being a sensible person that has a sense of awareness. Don't linger, walk with a purpose, and don't leave you bag on the floor when you stop to sit somewhere. Just be practical.

Being practical is not enough. You have to teflon yourself, especially because who wants to be on high alert at all times while relaxing on vacation? It's the opposite of fun. So make it so that even when you're having fun, get distracted (because you will be distracted at some point, possibly by thieves if not by your own fault) you're not a target because you have no easily accessible, visible anything on your person.

[Anonymous]

I was pickpocketed on a metro train in Turkey. I had on a crossbody bag that was zipped, under my coat but coat wasn't zipped. I had the bag part towards my back under my coat. I had one hand on the rail and one hand holding onto my young niece's hand. The train was packed everyone standing. This person was able to unzip my purse, unzip an inner pocket in my bag and stole my wallet with ID. I didn't notice a thing and was very "aware" of my surroundings. Stepped off the train, pulled my purse to the front and realized it was open and I was pickpocketed. Thankfully I had reserve cash, picture of my DL and passport at the hotel.

[Anonymous]

I had an ll bean anorak and my phone in the front central zipper. But I helped my elderly mother up stairs and carried her purse at one of the palaces when it started to rain - she had refused to not use her purse despite me telling her about pickpockets. I was so busy helping my mom that someone zipped open my pouch and stole my phone. I didn’t notice until we got back to the car.

[Anonymous]

We don’t carry bags. Never had a need to.

[Anonymous]

I had an everlane fanny bag worn crossbody tight against my chest in Paris. Pickpocket was still able to unzip and remove my Wallet without me noticing. Luckily a Good Samaritan stopped them and made them return it. Now I have a travelon crossbody bag that has locks on all the zippers.