Pickpocketing in European cities

Often caught in the magic of wonder and awe, tourists can easily become target for pickpockets. The excitement of learning a new city might cause a brief loss of awareness, which would let criminals take advantage of this weakness. Particularly in areas bustling with tourists, pickpocketing becomes more likely in cities including Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Madrid, Athens, Prague, Lisbon, Florence, London, and Amsterdam.

• Tourist Attractions
  Prime hunting ground for pickpockets are iconic sites and busy squares where visitors gather to get the ideal picture. The very act of appreciating the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower or the minute details of Sagrada Familia can divert tourists and cause them to be blind to the slow motions of a thief.
• Public Transport
  Pickpockets find the perfect setting inside packed buses and subways. Renowned paths like the Bus 64 have become known in cities like Rome as “Pickpocket Express,” where criminals profit on the confusion of rush hour by easily slipping in and out of the throng.
• Museums
  Even if you are lost in the beauty of art, be advised that someone might be watching your stuff. For example, the Louvre has had enough theft that staff strikes have resulted from the widespread pickpocketing events. Look closely at your bags as you appreciate the masterpieces.
• Restaurants and Bars
  Although dining in a small café can be a great experience, it also gives chances for criminals. A moment of distraction during a meal might cause a bag to be taken from a chair or a phone to vanish off the table. Always protect your stuff, even in the most laid-back environments.
• Beaches
  The appeal of sun-soaked coastlines can encourage reckless behavior. Leaving valuables unattended while you swim in the sea invites theft quite openly. For peace of mind, invest in a portable safe or leave valuables in a safe place.
• Shopping Centers
  Shopping districts’ bustle can be overwhelming and cover for pickpocket activity. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your stuff close as you negotiate packed stores.