Pickpockets Love Tourists: Don’t Be Their Next Target
- Zigmund
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
Stay Safe While Traveling: How to Outsmart Pickpockets in Europe
Traveling through Europe is an unforgettable experience filled with art, history, architecture, and vibrant cultures. But even the most seasoned traveler can fall victim to one of the oldest urban threats in the book: pickpockets.
Having lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe, I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that tourists are prime targets in cities like Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Prague, and Warsaw. Here are a few hard-earned lessons and practical tips that might save your wallet, camera, or peace of mind on your next adventure.
Real-World Lessons from the Streets of Europe
Lesson 1: The $65,000 Wallet in Warsaw
On a train from Warsaw to Prague—on a business trip to purchase part of a ceramics factory—I had my wallet securely stashed in my front pocket, circled with rubber bands (a classic tactic to make pickpocketing harder). Two drunk men pushed through the narrow hallway of our train car. It seemed innocent enough… until 30 minutes later when I reached into my pocket and realized my wallet was gone.
The loss? Not just the $15,000 cash deposit for the factory, but also over $50,000 in fraudulent charges, later tracked to Berlin—at a balloon shop, of all places. We later discovered this was the work of an organized crime syndicate. Lesson learned: confidence doesn't equal protection.
Lesson 2: Vanishing Camera in Prague
My wife and I were enjoying a meal at a bustling square in Prague. A man approached our table and began tossing what looked like $100 bills across it. As we sat stunned, he quickly gathered his “money” and walked away. Only then did we realize our camera bag, positioned right between us, had vanished—along with hundreds of medium-format photos taken for my advertising agency.
What haunted me most wasn't the loss of the camera, but the priceless photos and the fact that I hadn’t wrapped the strap around my leg. Distraction is a pickpocket’s greatest weapon.
How to Outsmart Pickpockets: Practical Tips
Here are strategies that travelers—especially in popular European destinations—should follow religiously:
✅ 1. Don't Flash Your Cash
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash loosely on your person. Use a money belt or neck wallet for the bulk of your cash, and keep a small amount (for a few hours' use) in a front crossbody bag. This makes it harder for thieves to know where you’re keeping the majority of your money.
Pro tip: If someone bumps into you and you instinctively pat your pocket—that tells them exactly where to strike.
✅ 2. Never Trust Your Backpack
Backpacks are pickpocket magnets. You won’t feel someone unzip it or slice it open in a crowd. Avoid storing valuables there.
Use a crossbody bag that zips securely
Always keep your hand on the strap
Add mini carabiner clips or safety pins to zipper tabs to deter silent access
✅ 3. Secure Your Pockets (or Booby Trap Them!)
Never keep anything important in your back pockets. Want to have some fun? Put a mousetrap in there—you might just give someone a surprise.
Consider wearing cargo pants with front zippered pockets to hide a little cash and a copy of your passport. Your actual passport should stay in your neck pouch or locked up.
On a river cruise? Leave your real passport in the ship's safe and carry only a copy while ashore.
✅ 4. Leave the Bling at Home
Don't wear expensive jewelry when traveling—especially diamond rings. Instead, pick up a silicone travel wedding ring for $15 on Amazon. It’s safer and more practical.
✅ 5. Be Smart About Currency Exchange
You’ll need cash in Europe, but avoid currency exchange kiosks—they often charge excessive fees. Use your debit card at a legitimate bank ATM for better exchange rates and security.
Final Word
Pickpockets love tourists. They rely on two things: distraction and misdirection. A group of kids surround you - you are a target. An apparent brawl erupts next to you - that is an act for you, a target. The bump you you've been chosen.The best way to protect yourself is to remain vigilant, plan ahead, and travel smart. These lessons came at a cost—but they might just save you from learning them the hard way.
Safe travels!
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