What pickpockets look for?

Pickpockets look for distracted and unaware travelers. “That's not to say that anyone can be prey, but if you're engrossed in your phone, you're less attentive to what's going on around you,” said Maria Pasquale, a Rome-based travel journalist and author.



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The best protection is to eliminate the opportunity of becoming a victim in the first place. pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets. knowledge. The best place for keys is on a chain attached to your clothing.

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Your clothes are a dead giveaway. The stereotype is true: American tourists stick out like a sore thumb when they travel, making them prime targets for pickpockets. Instead of throwing on a T-shirt to rep your alma mater, try to dress like the locals.

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The places with the most mentions of pickpockets
  • Italy.
  • France.
  • Netherlands.
  • Germany.
  • Greece.
  • Spain.
  • Portugal.
  • Turkey.


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The destination with the highest likelihood of being pickpocketed was Italy, according to Quotezone's European Pickpocket Index.

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16 Tips to Outsmart Pickpockets and Thieves in Europe
  1. Know where the biggest threats lie. ...
  2. Research the most common pickpocketing scams. ...
  3. Don't have anything on you that's worth stealing. ...
  4. Put your passport and credit cards in an RFID wallet. ...
  5. Get an anti-theft bag. ...
  6. Be extra careful around popular tourist attractions.


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Anti-theft travel belt bags and sling bags
  • Editor Favorite. ...
  • Travelon Urban Anti-Theft Messenger Bag. ...
  • Pacsafe StyleSafe Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag. ...
  • Pacsafe CitySafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack. ...
  • Peak Design Everyday Backpack. ...
  • Travelon Signature Anti-Theft Slim Backpack. ...
  • Lewis N. ...
  • Away Everywhere Zip Backpack. Away.


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How to spot a pickpocket
  • The observers. These include people loitering in public places who appear to be checking out passers-by, paying particular interest to their handbags, shopping bags and where they might place their wallet or purse. ...
  • The opportunists. ...
  • Team tactics. ...
  • Crowding in. ...
  • Dirty tricks. ...
  • The point of distraction.


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We hear stories about people losing their phones, documents, wallets and bags all the time. Enrique had tourists who got pickpocket on the tour, once he even confronted the thief and obligated to return the stolen things. I myself became a victim of pickpocketing 8 times. Eight!

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Sadly there are many pickpockets in popular tourist areas, so be aware in busy tourist places, airports, train stations, metro and also in your hotel lobby. Pickpockets in Barcelona are generally not violent.

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Your bag or backpack is probably the most vulnerable area that pickpockets love to target. Backpacks are especially vulnerable because you can't see if someone is trying to get into it.

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