 | Barcelona, Spain pickpocketing to a generally
practiced and accepted sport, take caution: Las Ramblas, the famous
wide, pedestrian walkway full of life, music, and people at all hours
of the day and night, is the perfect place to get your purse or wallet
snatched.
|
| | Rome, Italy With its ancient buildings and
astounding historical and cultural attractions, Rome is full of both
tourists and incredible things to sightsee. With thousands of people
admiring the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon, it's easy for a pickpocket
to lift a camera or purse/wallet. |
| | Prague, Czech Republic The famously beautiful
Charles Bridge is lined with 30 baroque-style statues, as well as
thousands of tourists who crowd its ancient stones each year, making a
perfect recipe for pickpocketing. Before taking in the view of the
Vltava River and the Prague Castle beyond, be sure your valuables are
safe. |
| | Madrid, Spain El Rastro flea-market and the crowded metro are often
cited as spots where unfriendly pickpocket schemes can put a damper on
a visit to this beautiful city. However, travellers should also beware
that in museums pickpockets can prey on distracted tourists. |
| | Paris, France The City of Light draws enormous crowds from the base of
the Eiffel Tower to the steps of Sacré-Coeur and everywhere in between.
But enormous crowds can also be found below ground, in the city's metro
system, where travellers should be especially cautious. |
| | Florence, Italy It is certainly easy to see why
tourists would be distracted by the majestic beauty of Michelangelo's
David and the other incredible and awe-inspiring works of art and
pieces all around Florence be alert that others may have their
attention on your wallet. |
| | Amsterdam, Netherlands It's easy to get carried away in Amsterdam with
so many fun things to see and do, but don't be too taken in by the
canals and the friendly, laid-back atmosphere - pickpocketers have been
known to take advantage of tourists in this fantastic city. |
| | Athens Greece This legendary city features countless ancient monuments,
many of which are outdoors. Whether visiting the Parthenon on the
Acropolis, or anything else in this magnificent historic city, keep the
bags close to you while you take in the amazing views. |
| | Hanoi, Vietnam The capital of Vietnam has its charming Old Quarter,
littered with monuments and colonial architecture, and the city also
features 600 temples and pagodas, making it a beautiful and unique
place to visit, but also a place to stay alert for potential hazardous
situations. |
 | Tips to Avoid Being Pickpocketed |
| | Never keep your wallet or valuables in your back pocket, even if it buttons up-it's by far the easiest target. |
| | Beware of the distraction tactic, such as
dropping something near you, squirting something on you, or simply
bumping in to you. Be on guard when in crowds, secure your belongings. |
| | Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and it's not just the usual
suspects. Be cautious with any strangers-sometimes people who don't
look like they'd be a threat, such as children or the elderly, can be
part of larger operations. |
| | Stay alert in confined spaces and near passageways. Try to avoid
standing near the doorways of trains as groups of pickpockets can rush
at you when the doors open. |
| |
Before you set off on a trip, check contents of your handbag or wallet,
only take what you need - the smaller the bulge, the less likely
pickpockets are to see you as a target |
