Thirteen Pickpocket Techniques to Avoid While Traveling
Greetings from London, England! While we’re having a great time here in England, we know that some tourists have a bad time thanks to pickpockets. So, today I want to share with you some of the common ruses used by pickpockets throughout Europe.
Pickpocket Technique #1 Entering or Exiting Public Transportation
A favorite spot for pickpockets to hang out is at the entry and exit of a train or bus so they can quickly exit. They might have their hand on your pocket or in your purse, but by the time you realize it, they’ve exited and the doors are closed. So, if you are standing near doors or exits on public transit, pay extra attention to your surroundings and belongings. Even more so when it’s crowded as lots of people can equal lots of confusion.
Pickpocket Technique #2 Crowding or Grouping
In this instance, you might see four or five individuals gathering around one tourist and then one of them will pickpocket the tourist. This actually happened to me on the metro in Lisbon, where five guys crowded me and tried to rob me. Sometimes the train is just crowded, but you can tell the difference if you are being crowded and singled out vs just being in a packed car. This also applied to a crowded platform, not just on the train.
Pickpocket Technique #3 Metro Turnstiles
When you’re going through the turnstiles to get into the subway system in places like Paris, you might see someone try to sneak in behind you as though they are just trying to get a free ride. But what they’re actually doing is trying to snatch your wallet as you rush through the turnstile with them right behind you. This happened to my dad in Paris, but luckily the police were right there and the girls who did it dropped my dad’s belongings.
Pickpocket Technique #4 Bag Slashing
If you have a purse or a backpack, you have to watch out for thieves who might slash your bag. They might cut the bottom open or a slit in the side to get access to your valuables inside the bag. In Rome, my friend’s mom had seven different slash marks where pickpockets had tried to gain access to the inside. Fortunately, she had a metal wire through her bag because she already knew about the pickpockets.
Pickpocket Technique #5 Ticket Kiosks
Another place to be hyper-aware of pickpockets is at ticket kiosks. Often, a “helpful” local will offer to help you figure out the transit system. This is a ruse to distract you while they, or a friend, reaches around in your bag while you are paying attention to the ticket kiosk.
The Most Popular Places for Pickpockets to Work
Pickpocket Technique #6 Street Bump
I see this one in Barcelona a lot. Someone might bump into you in the street and apologize, while at the same time lifting your wallet before disappearing into the crowd. So, anytime someone bumps into you, do a quick wallet check to make sure you haven’t been robbed.
Pickpocket Technique #7 The Mustard Scam
There’s a couple variations on this one. Someone might be eating a hot dog and “accidentally” get some mustard on you. When they offer to help clean it off, you might take off your bag to let them clean your jacket and before you know it, they are gone with your bag.
Pickpocket Technique #8 Bird Poop Scam
Similar to mustard, but they might point out some bird poop on your shirt. It’s not generally the person who spilled on you or pointed the poop out to you; they are usually working with another partner who you won’t even notice.
Pickpocket Technique #9 The Over-Helpful Tourist
Similar to thieves offering to help you at the subway kiosks, this might be other tourists who offer you directions. They might seem helpful, but the whole time they are sizing you up. Just be aware if you find overly friendly people, especially anyone wanting to help you with your bags. Don’t accept help with your bags, especially when you’re putting them in a locker at a train station as they can switch the keys or check out your ticket number.
Pickpocket Technique #10 ATM
In France, there’s always someone sitting by the ATM so they can beg for money. Anytime you are feeling uncomfortable at an ATM, see if you can find a bank that has an indoor ATM. Generally, you’ll be safe but the ATM is a particularly vulnerable place because if a thief is watching, they know you have cash and they might even see what your PIN is. Make sure you look around and pay attention behind you while you’re at the machine. Likewise, if you are shopping and have to enter a PIN, make sure nobody is watching from behind to capture your PIN.
9 Reasons Why You Got Robbed While Traveling
Pickpocket Technique #11 Sign a Petition
I’ve seen this often in Spain and France. Someone will approach you on the street and ask you to sign a petition. For starters, you’re not a local, so your input on a petition would be useless. No matter what they say it’s for, just say “no thank you” and keep walking. I’ve actually seen someone use a fake arm to hold the petition while their actual arm slips underneath to pick your pocket. Even if they try to guilt you into falling for their cause, just keep moving.
Pickpocket Technique #12 Watching Street Performers
Another common place to have your pockets picked is while watching street performers. The street performer may not be involved in the scam at all, but while you are distracted by the performance, you become an easy target for the pickpockets.
Pickpocket Technique #13 Cafes and Restaurants
Another common place to be robbed is when you are out eating at a cafe and have placed your bag or purse on the back of your chair. This makes it easy for someone to grab the bag and take off. Also, when you are leaving and gathering your belongings, putting your coat on, don’t leave your phone sitting on the table or bar.
The biggest takeaway from all of these different scams is that you need to be vigilant all the time. This doesn’t mean you have to be paranoid, or fearful, just hyper-aware of your surroundings. Check out some of our other videos on this topic:
A Few Additional Tips for How to Avoid Pickpockets:
- Put your wallet in your front pocket
- Use the hotel safe for your passport and extra cash.
- Remember, the more popular the tourist site, the more pickpockets that will be around.
- If you get scared, don’t be afraid to speak to the police. Do report stolen bags and wallets to the police. You will need a copy of the police report if you want to file an insurance claim. We found English and Italian police very friendly and helpful when filing reports.