Avoiding Theft in Europe

[olafLover]

Yikes! I don't really like that, but I "liked" the comment because at least it's refreshing to not be told I'm paranoid. Some of the people who read my first post seem to think I just made that list up using my imagination...

You're not being paranoid, it's a real thing, I really don't know if it's more then in the USA (I did the same things while visiting New York), but you do take the precautions a bit to far I think

• Do not leave phone or tablet unattended in the hotel room.
• Avoid carrying bags (or at least don't put any valuables in them). Instead keep phone, money, etc. hidden inside your clothing on a neck or waist strap, or in a zipped/buttoned interior pocket. Women can wear a very small packet for money that attaches to the bra.
• Never lay down your phone or camera on a table in a cafe, restaurant, etc.
• Never place any items on the back of your chair or at your feet.
• Don't talk to strangers on the street. Keep walking when they approach you, even if they're asking for "help" or trying to "help" you. Law-abiding European city-dwellers don't tend initiate random conversations with tourists on the street. They mind their own business.
• Don't stop and watch street performance shows.
• Avoid looking lost and/or at maps in public (this will be a hard one for me, as I'm directionally impaired).

All of these are a bit too much, yes be viligant. But you can place a phone on a table, just don't leave that table and you'll be fine. Yes you can carry a bag, I never go on a city trip without a daypack I will keep with me at all times. If you place a bag at your feet, make sure you're touching it. I'm a Law-abiding European city-dweller and I've initiated random conversations with tourists on the street. When they seem lost (the other point), I'm happy to help and it's much easier for me to do that then for them to find something out on their own. Sometimes it's a lot of fun to know why people came to your country and to see it trough their eyes, so please don't be scared of us, we won't bite! (Reacting scared to something like this will most likely make you more of a target).

But this one

• Don't wear "fanny packs" on the outside of your clothing.

Yes, please! Don't do that! Nobody (except my dad unfortunately...) uses fanny packs in Europe, so using one will give you a big American tourist flashing arrow above your head (and you look ridiculous, sorry!)

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

I think the number one way not to get pick pocketed in Europe is not to be too "nice" and to keep personal distance. Also, never place a purse, etc. on a chair or table next to you, get a crossbody and keep it on.

 

[ivanp91]

The biggest thing is remain vigilant of what's happening around you. I had been forewarned by friends that had traveled to Europe about pickpockets and the different scams that people try, so I was on alert particularly when standing still. A pair of ladies tried to target our walking tour group in Cadiz (on the EBTA last month). Myself and another guest noticed them - they made their way around our group pretending to listen to the guide, but you could tell they were trying to canvass who would be an easy target. They caught onto the fact they were being watched and quickly disappeared. There was a lovely British lady we met on the cruise that had her bag snatched from her after debarkation in Barcelona. I'm not sure if the bag had its strap cut, but I have heard that some of the more desperate ones do try it.

I do agree the list is maybe a little bit much. It makes it sound like if you stop to watch something, look at a map, or have any sort of belonging in sight (eg cell phone) you will be targeted. Not the case. Just be alert and pay attention to what's going on around you.

 

[xiphoid76]

Interesting thread to read. Key is to be aware of your surroundings as much as possible. I have been mugged once in a Newark train station and almost again in Capetown South Africa. So neither time in Europe - but am much more skeptical of the scams in Europe that are all to present. The gold ring, survey and do you speak English scams are frustrating all over Paris, Berlin and Barcelona. Keep as little on you as you need and be vigilant on where it is.

Please be careful of street performers - I never understand why people stand to watch that stuff as it is very poorly done and almost invariably set to target you. Don’t watch the dancers or drummers and just move on...although now we have come to stand far back and watch the crowd watching the performers to see if we can pick out who will be pickpocketed. It is not hard and somewhat sad.

But as other posters have said it is rare to be targeted - have fun and be smart and you will have a great time!!

 

[Shanti]

Nobody (except my dad unfortunately...) uses fanny packs in Europe, so using one will give you a big American tourist flashing arrow above your head (and you look ridiculous, sorry!)

Fanny packs are a fashion crime that might be worse than pickpocketing.

 

[mevelandry]

Yikes! I don't really like that, but I "liked" the comment because at least it's refreshing to not be told I'm paranoid. Some of the people who read my first post seem to think I just made that list up using my imagination...

Nah. Barcelona is known for their resourceful pick pocket. They are sly as foxes. As Canadians, we live is a very safe country and a lot of us have our guards down even when we think we are being careful. We are not used to the "don't blink" kind of precautions.

 

[Pens Fan]

We had to laugh after touring Italy with ABD, DH made sure he wore clothing that would not identify him as a tourist and there we were with our DCL landyards and VOX box and with a tour guide holding a sign leading us along. One of the things we had to remember is not go back to old habits. For example, we were in a shop and DH pulled his wallet out of his front pocket to purchase something, then we moved to another store. We went to do a purchase and he put his hand in his pocket and his wallet wasn't there. He panicked thinking he had been picked. But what happened was after the first store, he put his wallet back into his back pocket like he does at home.

This post reminded me of when our son went to Europe on a school trip several years ago. One of the things the teachers emphasized was proper dress - don't look and act like a tourist. We heard this over and over again. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but the utmost respect for any teacher/chaperone that takes on the task of escorting teenagers to Europe. It was a trip that totally changed my son's life and I'm forever grateful he had the opportunity. That being said, they were a bit over the top with the "don't look like a tourist" thing. I mean, tourists are tourists. They stick out, no matter what they wear. If someone is intent on separating you from your stuff, they know what a tourist looks like.

It really got funny when a week before the trip we received the bright, shiny EA Tours backpack in the mail for them to use. Yep, nothing hides the fact that you are a tourist like a major student tour company's backpack!! At that point I just told my son to pack clothes he'd be comfortable in, leave the EA backpack at home (already had a Pacsafe one) and stay aware. He was fine.

I'm not discounting the fact that pickpocketing is prevalent in European cities - it is and you need to take reasonable precautions. Your post just reminded me of something our family got a chuckle out of. No clue what ever happened to the good, old EA Tours backpack. It probably was a casualty of a cleaning spree at some time or another.

 

[Shanti]

This post reminded me of when our son went to Europe on a school trip several years ago. One of the things the teachers emphasized was proper dress - don't look and act like a tourist. We heard this over and over again. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but the utmost respect for any teacher/chaperone that takes on the task of escorting teenagers to Europe. It was a trip that totally changed my son's life and I'm forever grateful he had the opportunity. That being said, they were a bit over the top with the "don't look like a tourist" thing. I mean, tourists are tourists. They stick out, no matter what they wear. If someone is intent on separating you from your stuff, they know what a tourist looks like.

It really got funny when a week before the trip we received the bright, shiny EA Tours backpack in the mail for them to use. Yep, nothing hides the fact that you are a tourist like a major student tour company's backpack!! At that point I just told my son to pack clothes he'd be comfortable in, leave the EA backpack at home (already had a Pacsafe one) and stay aware. He was fine.

I'm not discounting the fact that pickpocketing is prevalent in European cities - it is and you need to take reasonable precautions. Your post just reminded me of something our family got a chuckle out of. No clue what ever happened to the good, old EA Tours backpack. It probably was a casualty of a cleaning spree at some time or another.

I guess I shouldn't wear my Mickey ears in Barcelona...

 

[southerngirl528]

Fanny packs are a fashion crime that might be worse than pickpocketing.

Funny thing is though, they are actually VERY much in style again. Quite a few designers have them in their lines right now. I think it's funny. But hey, if a fanny pack works for someone, go for it!

 

[pezgirlroy]

Just to chime in, I spent a number of days in Barcelona as a college kid and did not have any problems at all. I was always aware of my surrondings and kept my wallet/info secured to myself. We do have a family friend who was pickpocketed in Barcelona but he had his wallet in his back pocket. Yes it happens but honestly I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Get a money belt or a special travel purse (cross body bag that has wire in the strap so it can't be cut, keep in front of you). It is almost impossible to not look like a tourist but I always say when I travel out of the country that I don't wear logo t shirts, baseball caps, short shorts that kind of thing.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

utmost[/I] respect for any teacher/chaperone that takes on the task of escorting teenagers to Europe. It was a trip that totally changed my son's life and I'm forever grateful he had the opportunity. That being said, they were a bit over the top with the "don't look like a tourist" thing. I mean, tourists are tourists. They stick out, no matter what they wear. If someone is intent on separating you from your stuff, they know what a tourist looks like.

It really got funny when a week before the trip we received the bright, shiny EA Tours backpack in the mail for them to use. Yep, nothing hides the fact that you are a tourist like a major student tour company's backpack!! At that point I just told my son to pack clothes he'd be comfortable in, leave the EA backpack at home (already had a Pacsafe one) and stay aware. He was fine.

My DD went to Europe last year visiting 7 countries, including Italy. They were reminded constantly to keep their valuables (Passport, credit card, ID, currency) in their neck pouch and have it on at all times. Of course they looked like tourists. They were high school juniors and seniors wearing their group shirts showing everybody where they were from and they all carried back packs. Fortunately, they were all vigilant and even stopped one potential pick pocket in Paris, and nobody got anything stolen. They also had the times of their lives!

 

[dvcdisney]

When my son went on a school Vimy Ridge trip last year for Canada's 150th Bday, I told him to make sure he keeps his valuables on him and inside pockets. And that he needs to look very much aware of his surroundings...not just be aware but also make sure that he LOOKS aware. Those who pick pocket look for the vulnerable and distracted. They have a very keen sense for that and they could follow them for a while before actually approaching them.

My son and his friends stayed in groups and watched out for each other. Even with that, one of their friends, almost lost her wallet. She kept it in her crossbody purse.

Personally, I don't wear a purse on any vacation...yes, the money belt is a bit uncomfortable, but I'm okay with that.

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

I didn't read the whole thread, so sorry if these were mentioned a million times, but I always carry a PacSafe, cross-body purse and my husband uses a PacSafe camera strap. Whether we are in the states or another country. I keep all Passports on me, in my PacSafe purse at all times. We leave copies back in the room and have pictures of them on our phones and in our emails.

We were in Paris before our Greek Isles cruise in 2014. My dad had his wallet taken right out of his pocket outside of the Arc de Triomphe. He has been to Europe many many times, lived there for about five years, and he never had an issue, so he felt safe keeping it in his pocket. It was dumb and he realizes this. But the point is, it does happen, anywhere, but it happened to us in Paris.

 

[hanscarlet]

Just curious, has crime always been this bad across Europe? My friend went to Athens last year and she said her guide told her to wear her backpack in front and she witnessed someone else getting their bag stolen right in front of everyone, it led to a screaming match and chase down. I didn't realize robbing tourists over there was such a lucrative industry.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

I've spent considerable time in Paris, also, Barcelona, Rome, London etc and if you are vigilant about your surroundings you will be fine. I never use a backpack because I am not hiking and how much crap do I need to carry around for a day? Use a cross body purse and keep it pulled to the front with your hand on it. I still use a regular wallet. I don't want to have to find a restroom to pull out the money wallet before buying anything. That is just ridiculous. European women don't tuck their money in their underwear and neither should you. Walk with a purpose, say no to anyone wanting you to sign a petition or buy a trinket on the street. If you overthink everything you will not enjoy yourself and that would be sad.

 

[cruiser21]

Just curious, has crime always been this bad across Europe? My friend went to Athens last year and she said her guide told her to wear her backpack in front and she witnessed someone else getting their bag stolen right in front of everyone, it led to a screaming match and chase down. I didn't realize robbing tourists over there was such a lucrative industry.

Yes. I don't know why the police do nothing about it. It seems petty crime is a career choice for a lot of people and it seems to be allowed. I'd have more to say about it, but I don't want to get myself in trouble.

 

[Shanti]

Just curious, has crime always been this bad across Europe? My friend went to Athens last year and she said her guide told her to wear her backpack in front and she witnessed someone else getting their bag stolen right in front of everyone, it led to a screaming match and chase down. I didn't realize robbing tourists over there was such a lucrative industry.

From what I've read, it is worse in Barcelona than it used to be for a few reasons:

• Influx of Euro-zone migrants putting pressure on local economy (a common theme throughout Europe).
• Burgeoning hostility towards tourism, which is raising rents via competition with AirB&B, etc.
• Current powers that be do not have laws prosecuting petty theft up to a few hundred Euros. So even if caught, they'd just get a talking to.

That last point shocked me when I learned about it. Such a different attitude toward theft than in the U.S., which is likely why pickpocketing is not a significant issue here even in big cities. Anyone caught stealing hundreds off a stranger in the street here would end up with a prison sentence. (If they didn't get shot first- it's a lot more dangerous to steal from strangers here because Americans can have guns.)

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

From what I've read, it is worse in Barcelona than it used to be for a few reasons:

• Influx of Euro-zone migrants putting pressure on local economy (a common theme throughout Europe).
• Burgeoning hostility towards tourism, which is raising rents via competition with AirB&B, etc.
• Current powers that be do not have laws prosecuting petty theft up to a few hundred Euros. So even if caught, they'd just get a talking to.

That last point shocked me when I learned about it. Such a different attitude toward theft than in the U.S., which is likely why pickpocketing is not a significant issue here even in big cities. Anyone caught stealing hundreds off a stranger in the street here would end up with a prison sentence. (If they didn't get shot first- it's a lot more dangerous to steal from strangers here because Americans can have guns.)

I saw an article the other day about how something like only 2% of thefts in London got solved in 2016-17.
They need to start reading up on The Broken Window Theory.

 

[cruiser21]

I've spent considerable time in Paris, also, Barcelona, Rome, London etc and if you are vigilant about your surroundings you will be fine. I never use a backpack because I am not hiking and how much crap do I need to carry around for a day? Use a cross body purse and keep it pulled to the front with your hand on it. I still use a regular wallet. I don't want to have to find a restroom to pull out the money wallet before buying anything. That is just ridiculous. European women don't tuck their money in their underwear and neither should you. Walk with a purpose, say no to anyone wanting you to sign a petition or buy a trinket on the street. If you overthink everything you will not enjoy yourself and that would be sad.

True, you will see European women walking around with all types of purses. They like their Gucci, Coach, Louis V, just like Americans do. You will also see lots of backpacks being worn by locals. Just don't walk around with your life savings in your bag. A few Euros, a credit card and your cell phone is all you need. I'm with you I'm not going into a restroom to pull out my money.....that's if you can find a bathroom. Yeah don't get me started on European bathrooms....ewww.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Petty theft has been an issue before migrants and to be honest a migrant has no need to steal as they get enough support financially and don‘t want to risk their status. Not that it never happened from a migrant. But petty tourist crime in Europe Has mainly been an issue by european gypies ( Romaniens etc. ) begging , professional teams using kids for theft. Ex kids beg and adult pockets as younare distracted. They have nothing to lose and would steal your Glasses. Crime in europe is actually down. Regardless I had a friend have his duffle bag stolen in plain site from under a cafe table in Barcelona.

In your rush to make your point, I think you responded to the wrong person. I made the point that solving theft crime does not seem to be a top priority for the authorities in London. I did not say who was responsible for crime in Europe or address its historical increase or decrease. I am personally not interested in getting into the entire migrant debate