At a glance
What can you do to avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets on your trip? Discover our tips.
During the tourist season, police departments in big cities like Rome, Paris, Barcelona or London open hundreds of pickpocketing cases every day.
One estimate puts the number of pickpocketing victims at more than 400,000 a day worldwide! No place (private or public) is safe.
However, there are simple measures anyone can take to keep their belongings out of thieves' hands. These measures will go a long way towards keeping you, your loved ones and... your belongings safe!
A few tips to best protect yourself from pickpockets
- Keep a spare credit card and a copy of your important or official documents somewhere safe (e.g. in your hotel safe).
- Don't draw attention to yourself by wearing valuable items. Avoid "anything that shines". Also avoid the typical "tourist" look, which will make you stand out quickly.
- Use travel gear designed to protect your belongings and money (crossbody bag, anti-theft belt, inside pocket...)
- Wear your (hand)bag on the front of your body. Don't let it hang on your back. Keep your bag on you or between your legs when you're sitting in a café, restaurant, public place, etc. Don't leave your smartphone lying on the restaurant table.
- Only carry a minimum amount of cash each day and use a bank card as much as possible for any payment.
- Don't spend your time checking your belongings. This behaviour draws attention. Stay calm.
- Don't look lost. Don't unfold your city map to examine it at length in the middle of the street in front of everyone.
- Be on your guard if a stranger gets too close to you or crowds you.
- Watch out for any (suspicious) behaviour or incident that could distract you and lower your guard.
- Share this good advice with the people travelling with you and look out for each other. Never leave your belongings unattended without the protection or watchful eye of someone you trust.
A few tricks well known to pickpockets
- The fake tourist who pretends to be lost (opening a large map right in front of you) and asks for your help, while an accomplice raids your bag.
- The clumsy person who bumps into you or your chair.
- The young mother with a charming baby, the elderly lady who strikes up a conversation with you and tells you about her town, the cute little dog a stranger is carrying, ... in short, anyone who deliberately tries to win you over while an accomplice takes advantage of your distraction.
- The local resident who spontaneously wants to help you by explaining the way, or recommending a good restaurant or a nice café.
- The beggar who won't leave you alone and asks for some change.
- ...
After a theft
Has a pickpocket stolen your belongings, money, credit card or identity documents?
- If it's your payment or credit card, have it blocked immediately by contacting Card Stop via www.cardstop.be or +32 78 170 170. Notify your bank if necessary.
- File a report with the local police. It often happens that some of the stolen items are recovered (e.g. your wallet with the cash removed). The police may then contact you to let you know.
