Pickpockets in Europe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not rich so I wouldn't be staying in fancy hotels. Are budget hotel safes fine to store your passports or should I be wary of the safes in those hotels and keep passport on me.

Would I leave my passport at a hostel? No. Would I leave my passport at the Holiday Inn Express by the airport? Without a second thought.

[Anonymous]

Look up small hidden travel belt bags.

I don't remember the brand I have, but it looks similar to the one below and has the same stats of RFID shielding and cut proof. I wore it under my clothes with zero issues.

https://www.amazon.com/Money-Travel-Blocking-Sleeves-Daily/dp/B0199S7IUS/ref=asc_df_B0199S7IUS?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80058245652750&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583657822472099&th=1&psc=1

[Anonymous]

Keep mist of your money in a money belt (just spending money for that day more handy). Split up where you keep your money. Passport stays in the hotel safe. Keep backpack in front of you under crowded conditions. Keep purse AND phone attached to you (don’t out phone down on the table in restaurants ).

I was worried in southern Italy, but with these precautions I was fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never understood people that carry their passport on them while sightseeing. Do you want to be stuck in a foreign country? Seems like a good way to be stuck in a foreign country. Have been to (taken public transport in) Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London, Cape Town, etc. Never pickpocketed. Never accosted. Don’t look like a mark and you won’t be a mark.

It used to be recommended because you’ll need it if stopped by local police. I was detained once in Uzhbelhodyan (having done nothing) and they demanded our passports — they held us because we did not have the paper visas on us, even though they clearly knew we had them. But if you’re going to someplace like Italy or France, I don’t think this is necessary. When I did carry my passport, I had a square passport vinyl holder that looped over a belt and went inside your pants — basically right outside your underwear on the front. If you are wearing jeans or similar, this is totally the best, as it sits there very snug and is more comfortable than the belt bags and less accessible. (I once was almost robbed by a gang of Roma children in Russia that lifted my shirt to grab the wait belt bag. I’m not sure if other countries have those gangs of children but they are much harder to avoid than a standard pickpocket because they work in a group and take advantage of the fact that you don’t want to punch them or anything like that.).
For a standard tourist vacation. I just use a leather cross body purse held in front of me, and general awareness. But if I think I’m gojng someplace high risk (colosseum might fall into that category), I use the inside the pants square packet for my ID and money. Like ttbis:
https://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-RFID-Blocking-Hidden/dp/B00I5IWC1E/ref=asc_df_B00I5IWC1E?mcid=86cd2b6eee4f33d29739b3574cb50816&hvocijid=18248130904768093528-B00I5IWC1E-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18248130904768093528&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007781&hvtargid=pla-2281435179978&psc=1

Just out of curiosity, what would happen if you did fight back and punch/kick the kids? Could you (the foreign tourist) get in trouble?

In this scenario, I don't think anything would have happened to me -- its not like those kids would have gone to the cops. But I was just not going to punch a 7 year old in the face. Part of their scheme was that the younger kids would actually grab your crotch and breasts, which made me lift my hands to push them away off of me -- once my arms where lifted up, that made it easier for one of them to reach under my shirt and unfasten my belt bad, then an older teen (maybe 14) grabbed it to run with it. It was really amazing -- the whole thing happened in about 3 seconds. They had the area really well spotted in that there weren't a lot of people around and I was trapped between a building and a small retaining wall -- the teen jumped over the retaining wall to flee, and I was able to keep my bag because the strap of it trailed behind him -- I grabbed the strap and we had a tug of war as he went over the retaining wall. Because he was off balance jumping the wall, I was able to get it back. The younger kids scattered as soon as the teen touched the bag so they were already gone.
I know someone else where something similar happened, and he did kick the kids right in the chest, he said. That's not me.
I don't think this sort of mugging-by-kid happens in Europe. I think it's a pretty specialized skill set. It reminded me of Oliver Twist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never understood people that carry their passport on them while sightseeing. Do you want to be stuck in a foreign country? Seems like a good way to be stuck in a foreign country. Have been to (taken public transport in) Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London, Cape Town, etc. Never pickpocketed. Never accosted. Don’t look like a mark and you won’t be a mark.

It used to be recommended because you’ll need it if stopped by local police. I was detained once in Uzhbelhodyan (having done nothing) and they demanded our passports — they held us because we did not have the paper visas on us, even though they clearly knew we had them. But if you’re going to someplace like Italy or France, I don’t think this is necessary. When I did carry my passport, I had a square passport vinyl holder that looped over a belt and went inside your pants — basically right outside your underwear on the front. If you are wearing jeans or similar, this is totally the best, as it sits there very snug and is more comfortable than the belt bags and less accessible. (I once was almost robbed by a gang of Roma children in Russia that lifted my shirt to grab the wait belt bag. I’m not sure if other countries have those gangs of children but they are much harder to avoid than a standard pickpocket because they work in a group and take advantage of the fact that you don’t want to punch them or anything like that.).
For a standard tourist vacation. I just use a leather cross body purse held in front of me, and general awareness. But if I think I’m gojng someplace high risk (colosseum might fall into that category), I use the inside the pants square packet for my ID and money. Like ttbis:
https://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-RFID-Blocking-Hidden/dp/B00I5IWC1E/ref=asc_df_B00I5IWC1E?mcid=86cd2b6eee4f33d29739b3574cb50816&hvocijid=18248130904768093528-B00I5IWC1E-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18248130904768093528&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007781&hvtargid=pla-2281435179978&psc=1

Just out of curiosity, what would happen if you did fight back and punch/kick the kids? Could you (the foreign tourist) get in trouble?

In this scenario, I don't think anything would have happened to me -- its not like those kids would have gone to the cops. But I was just not going to punch a 7 year old in the face. Part of their scheme was that the younger kids would actually grab your crotch and breasts, which made me lift my hands to push them away off of me -- once my arms where lifted up, that made it easier for one of them to reach under my shirt and unfasten my belt bad, then an older teen (maybe 14) grabbed it to run with it. It was really amazing -- the whole thing happened in about 3 seconds. They had the area really well spotted in that there weren't a lot of people around and I was trapped between a building and a small retaining wall -- the teen jumped over the retaining wall to flee, and I was able to keep my bag because the strap of it trailed behind him -- I grabbed the strap and we had a tug of war as he went over the retaining wall. Because he was off balance jumping the wall, I was able to get it back. The younger kids scattered as soon as the teen touched the bag so they were already gone.
I know someone else where something similar happened, and he did kick the kids right in the chest, he said. That's not me.
I don't think this sort of mugging-by-kid happens in Europe. I think it's a pretty specialized skill set. It reminded me of Oliver Twist.

Wow. They can unclip a belt bag that has fasteners that quick? What if the belt bag was something with loops? Is that a better choice? Or should we clip it with a safety pin? I am also seeing these neck bags for phones and passports on the Rick Steves forum. Are those better? There was also this stretchable thing with zippers that could be worn under a shirt around the waist.

[Anonymous]

Do pick pockets in Rome target white people mostly? I'm curious if any brown or black person here has been a victim.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've traveled a bit. The trick is just to not make yourself an easy target. Cross body bags with zip tops, keep stuffed zipped inside inner pockets. Keep bags in front or on the side and in crowded situations rest a hand on the top of your bag as well. Never leave your bag on a chair next to you or changing off the back of a chair.

The reality of pickpockets is they don't generally want to get into a confrontation, so make yourself someone who's not easy to take from without getting noticed. Now someone who's willing to get violent, you may just want to give them money to go away. But that's extremely rare. There's no reason to carry large sums of cash in Europe so don't do that.

Where do you put your bag then? If not on a chair beside you and not over the arm of you chair? If it’s in your lap and it’s a decent size, the napkin won’t go over it and you have to reach around it to eat

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've traveled a bit. The trick is just to not make yourself an easy target. Cross body bags with zip tops, keep stuffed zipped inside inner pockets. Keep bags in front or on the side and in crowded situations rest a hand on the top of your bag as well. Never leave your bag on a chair next to you or changing off the back of a chair.

The reality of pickpockets is they don't generally want to get into a confrontation, so make yourself someone who's not easy to take from without getting noticed. Now someone who's willing to get violent, you may just want to give them money to go away. But that's extremely rare. There's no reason to carry large sums of cash in Europe so don't do that.

Where do you put your bag then? If not on a chair beside you and not over the arm of you chair? If it’s in your lap and it’s a decent size, the napkin won’t go over it and you have to reach around it to eat

Either carry a smaller bag or attach it to the chair eg pacsafe bags and cross body purses’s straps can be removed to slip around chair back or legs and reattached.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never understood people that carry their passport on them while sightseeing. Do you want to be stuck in a foreign country? Seems like a good way to be stuck in a foreign country. Have been to (taken public transport in) Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London, Cape Town, etc. Never pickpocketed. Never accosted. Don’t look like a mark and you won’t be a mark.

It used to be recommended because you’ll need it if stopped by local police. I was detained once in Uzhbelhodyan (having done nothing) and they demanded our passports — they held us because we did not have the paper visas on us, even though they clearly knew we had them. But if you’re going to someplace like Italy or France, I don’t think this is necessary. When I did carry my passport, I had a square passport vinyl holder that looped over a belt and went inside your pants — basically right outside your underwear on the front. If you are wearing jeans or similar, this is totally the best, as it sits there very snug and is more comfortable than the belt bags and less accessible. (I once was almost robbed by a gang of Roma children in Russia that lifted my shirt to grab the wait belt bag. I’m not sure if other countries have those gangs of children but they are much harder to avoid than a standard pickpocket because they work in a group and take advantage of the fact that you don’t want to punch them or anything like that.).
For a standard tourist vacation. I just use a leather cross body purse held in front of me, and general awareness. But if I think I’m gojng someplace high risk (colosseum might fall into that category), I use the inside the pants square packet for my ID and money. Like ttbis:
https://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-RFID-Blocking-Hidden/dp/B00I5IWC1E/ref=asc_df_B00I5IWC1E?mcid=86cd2b6eee4f33d29739b3574cb50816&hvocijid=18248130904768093528-B00I5IWC1E-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18248130904768093528&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007781&hvtargid=pla-2281435179978&psc=1

Just out of curiosity, what would happen if you did fight back and punch/kick the kids? Could you (the foreign tourist) get in trouble?

In this scenario, I don't think anything would have happened to me -- its not like those kids would have gone to the cops. But I was just not going to punch a 7 year old in the face. Part of their scheme was that the younger kids would actually grab your crotch and breasts, which made me lift my hands to push them away off of me -- once my arms where lifted up, that made it easier for one of them to reach under my shirt and unfasten my belt bad, then an older teen (maybe 14) grabbed it to run with it. It was really amazing -- the whole thing happened in about 3 seconds. They had the area really well spotted in that there weren't a lot of people around and I was trapped between a building and a small retaining wall -- the teen jumped over the retaining wall to flee, and I was able to keep my bag because the strap of it trailed behind him -- I grabbed the strap and we had a tug of war as he went over the retaining wall. Because he was off balance jumping the wall, I was able to get it back. The younger kids scattered as soon as the teen touched the bag so they were already gone.
I know someone else where something similar happened, and he did kick the kids right in the chest, he said. That's not me.
I don't think this sort of mugging-by-kid happens in Europe. I think it's a pretty specialized skill set. It reminded me of Oliver Twist.

DP. This sounds horrible. I’m sorry but if anyone is grabbing my crotch or breasts and putting their hands under my top, I’d be punching and kicking even if they are children. Maybe a punch to solar plexus and then a roundhouse kick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Keep mist of your money in a money belt (just spending money for that day more handy). Split up where you keep your money. Passport stays in the hotel safe. Keep backpack in front of you under crowded conditions. Keep purse AND phone attached to you (don’t out phone down on the table in restaurants ).

I was worried in southern Italy, but with these precautions I was fine.

Are there countries that require tourists to carry their passport at all times?

[Anonymous]

I have had my wallet stolen in multiple cities (Madrid, LA, NYC) in my 20s.

1) never place valuables in a backpack that is worn off your back
2) never sling your purse across a choir rails behind you

For passports, no need to lock in a safe f you are staying in a nice hotel. Just leave in room is fine. Don’t bring it with you. If you need to, wear a waist bag or cross body purse.

Also, don’t dispose if you do loose your passports. As long as you are in a city with a consulate or embassy (and are a native born citizen - not to get political but unless native born I’d be worried) you can get passports reissued. It’s a hassle and not something you want to do on vacation but I mention bc if the worst does happen it’s not the end of the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've never had an issue and I don't use any special type of bag when I'm out and about. I don't take my passport with me. I'm aware of my surroundings. Don't engage with those people who try to stop you for the bracelets or whatever scam. Not even a "no thank you". Just keep walking.

Most of the time I use a small cross body bag, but that's what I use normally. Sometimes I use a tote when I'm doing a lot of shopping. We never put things in our back pockets.

We also don't tend to hit the major tourist trap type destinations. The more of a "local" you are, the less of an issue it is I've noticed.

This!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've traveled a bit. The trick is just to not make yourself an easy target. Cross body bags with zip tops, keep stuffed zipped inside inner pockets. Keep bags in front or on the side and in crowded situations rest a hand on the top of your bag as well. Never leave your bag on a chair next to you or changing off the back of a chair.

The reality of pickpockets is they don't generally want to get into a confrontation, so make yourself someone who's not easy to take from without getting noticed. Now someone who's willing to get violent, you may just want to give them money to go away. But that's extremely rare. There's no reason to carry large sums of cash in Europe so don't do that.

Where do you put your bag then? If not on a chair beside you and not over the arm of you chair? If it’s in your lap and it’s a decent size, the napkin won’t go over it and you have to reach around it to eat

Either carry a smaller bag or attach it to the chair eg pacsafe bags and cross body purses’s straps can be removed to slip around chair back or legs and reattached.

I loop it around my foot and chair leg put it on the floor. I don’t bring my best bags on vacation!

I also do carry my passport with me unless we are in a country where we have friends/family and can leave it at their house. I hear stories of things disappearing from safes and think it’s better for me to have that on me if stopped etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've traveled a bit. The trick is just to not make yourself an easy target. Cross body bags with zip tops, keep stuffed zipped inside inner pockets. Keep bags in front or on the side and in crowded situations rest a hand on the top of your bag as well. Never leave your bag on a chair next to you or changing off the back of a chair.

The reality of pickpockets is they don't generally want to get into a confrontation, so make yourself someone who's not easy to take from without getting noticed. Now someone who's willing to get violent, you may just want to give them money to go away. But that's extremely rare. There's no reason to carry large sums of cash in Europe so don't do that.

Where do you put your bag then? If not on a chair beside you and not over the arm of you chair? If it’s in your lap and it’s a decent size, the napkin won’t go over it and you have to reach around it to eat

Keep you bag on your lap or in front of you between your feet. If you're sitting on public transportation keep your bag on your lap and keep your arm through the strap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've traveled a bit. The trick is just to not make yourself an easy target. Cross body bags with zip tops, keep stuffed zipped inside inner pockets. Keep bags in front or on the side and in crowded situations rest a hand on the top of your bag as well. Never leave your bag on a chair next to you or changing off the back of a chair.

The reality of pickpockets is they don't generally want to get into a confrontation, so make yourself someone who's not easy to take from without getting noticed. Now someone who's willing to get violent, you may just want to give them money to go away. But that's extremely rare. There's no reason to carry large sums of cash in Europe so don't do that.

Where do you put your bag then? If not on a chair beside you and not over the arm of you chair? If it’s in your lap and it’s a decent size, the napkin won’t go over it and you have to reach around it to eat

This is why your bag should be a crossbody: so you can wear it. The only times I didn’t wear my crossbody while eating was when we were eating indoors at uncrowded places or when I was seated in a corner where nobody could walk near me.

We saw people have their bags snatched out of their hands or off a counter. The slimy criminals are fast.

I’m in a lot of FB travel groups and the recent stories of pickpockets are alarming. One person had their phone out reading directions while standing on a corner in London and someone grabbed it while on a bike. Unfortunately they had their id and credit card in the back of the phone. This happened earlier this week btw.

I rarely use my phone for directions on the street. Figure out where you are going and be alert.