How to Avoid Being Pickpocketed in Europe

A major concern for many tourists and travelers heading off on an adventure to Europe is being pickpocketed. It’s with good reason as Europe is home to the majority of the prime pickpocketing destinations in the world. Independent names the top 10 cities for pickpockets and Europe takes up 8/10 of those cities. Safe to say Europe takes the cake on pickpocketing. Nice one.

The number one destination for pickpockets is Barcelona, and as it’s been my home for two years, I think it’s safe to say I have some authority on how to avoid pickpockets in Barcelona and beyond. It’s a joke among locals that getting picketpocketed is a “rite of passage.” Do you even live in Barcelona if you’ve never been pickpocketed?

I’ll admit I’ve had my entire purse stolen here. It was in my first week, actually — I got my rite of passage early. Since then, I’ve learned to be more aware of my surroundings and keep a better eye on my belongings.

So how can you avoid being pickpocketed in Europe?

Be aware of your surroundings

It’s the most important tip to avoid being pickpocketing while traveling in Europe. Maintain your situational awareness. Keep your head up and be aware of what’s going on around you.

You should know if someone is walking behind you or walking too close beside you. When a thief recognizes that you’re not paying attention, they act. Keep them on their toes and off your belongings by being aware of your surroundings.

If you feel someone walking behind you or close to your side, there’s no problem in moving to the other side of the street. I’m constantly skeptical of the people around me and switching sides always makes me feel more comfortable.

Know your thief

Thieves come from all backgrounds, genders, and demographics. Though the majority are male, there are certainly female thieves as well.

Thieves often work in groups. One will be the distraction while another steals your stuff. So if you see a group of people acting in ways that seem designed to get your attention, keep a tight grip on your belongings and be aware. People will try all sorts of things: going for high fives, asking you questions, flirting with you, and more.

Thieves can also work alone, be children, or a well-dressed “businessman.” Once again, be aware.

Understand where picketpocketers do their crimes

Pickpocketers tend to flock to busy areas such as tourist attractions and public transportation.

At tourist attractions, many visitors are distracted taking pictures and admiring the attraction, taking their focus off their belongings — in which case, a criminal will take advantage of this momentary weakness and do a magic trick with your belongings.

As for public transportation, many metros and buses are jam-packed, so with all the closeness it’s an easy opportunity for a thief to steal. Many wait until the last moment, when the metro is arriving at its next stop, and grab your phone, bag, etc right before the door closes and run off. Keep your things tight, tucked away and zipped up. Most certainly don’t have your phone out in plain sight, especially when the doors are about to open and close.

Other common places include busy streets, restaurants and bars. This goes back to being distracted. When you’re in a restaurant or bar you’re focused on your food, drinks, and the company around you. Never leave your stuff unattended and always keep it with you. I usually wear a cross-body bag and wear it the entire night. Otherwise I have it sitting in my lap, or have my arm looped through the strap to avoid someone grabbing it and running off.

Also, a common trick, especially when you’re sitting outside, is someone coming up to you asking for money or something and holding a paper over your table with information about why you should donate to them, etc. They place the paper perfectly over top of your phone. Then, they do a magic trick with your phone. Moral of the story: Never leave your phone sitting on the table top.

Get some Anti-Theft Gear

The first time I traveled around Europe and for several years afterwards, I used this Anti-Theft Cross-Body bag, and it was excellent. It has locking compartments to prevent someone from unzipping your bag. It also has slash resistant straps and body, as well as RFID blocking pockets, preventing electronic pickpockets and identity theft. Cool.

If you want a smaller bag, Travelon also has this smaller version which I’d love to try.

For men, you can try this sling backpack style.

What else can you do in busy places to avoid being pickpocketed in Europe?

• • Keep your cell phone out of your back pocket and in a purse, interior jacket pocket, etc.

• • Wear a cross-body bag, bumbag/fanny pack. (Fanny packs are back in style, anyways!)

• • Keep your bag zipped at all times.

• • If you want to use a backpack, try to get one that has two zippers so that you can make a tight knot or put a small, lock on to keep your belongings more secure. A lot of people wear their backpacks on their chest instead of their backs, and while that’s a good approach, it basically gives you away as a tourist and it simply just looks silly.

• • Leave your valuables at home or in your accommodation. There’s no need in taking your fancy watch with you on your trip, leave it at home. Keep your important documents such as your passport in your room, and always leave a debit card or some cash in your room in case of emergency.
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  • Don’t be too intoxicated in the streets. Sorry. Thieves love noticeably drunk people because they’re easy targets. You’re distracted, maintaining less situational awareness, and you’re more likely to participate in a group of thieves distractions when you’re intoxicated. Many of the people I know who have been pickpocketed in Barcelona, natives and beyond, have been pickpocketed while they were drunk. They’ll steal your phone, watch, wallet, or whatever they can get their hands on.

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Have any other tips for avoiding pickpockets? Share in the comments below! If you’re looking for travel tips in Europe, click here!