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Think you’re savvy enough to avoid being pickpocketed??
A video recently made the rounds about some pickpockets in action at the Stazione Centrale at Milan (the main train station) and I thought about how I consider myself to be relatively paranoid when it comes to traveling and I am quite overprotective about my things. Now, hosting several visitors, I find myself trying to help them prepare for what has become standard behavior for me after traveling to over 25 countries.
Of course, I’ve been on the receiving end of a pickpocket.
We had drank too much wine the night before, and wandered the historic alleyways of Naples with a few random locals that were kind enough to escort us home. It was a blindingly sunny day the next morning and we got on a bus to see the bay of Naples. It was quite empty and being no strangers to public transportation, we relaxed and recounted the previous’ night’s events, constantly amazed at our luck to encounter such nice Italians. As we chatted, I noticed a man was standing a little too close to me and that while he appeared to be scratching under his arm, he was actually opening the outside pocket of my purse. Too shocked to react violently, I yelled at the man in Italian who refused to respond or meet my eye and moved away.
The truth is that situation could have happened anywhere – I was making myself an easy target. The best prevention is being prepared and aware, and most importantly, to look like a difficult target. The best pickpockets pick the easiest targets so they can do as many as possible without notice. Here are some ways to avoid being an attractive target for a pickpocket – divided into Being a Difficult Target, Protecting Your Belongings, and Using Public Transportation.
Being a Difficult Target – Make it Hard for them to Get to You
- Walk with Purpose and Keep Moving
Confused looks, hesitant steps and visible maps are the perfect indicators of a distracted person and therefore a good target. Take the time before you leave a safe area (a restaurant, your hotel, the train platform) to check your surroundings and directions before heading out. Perhaps write a few key indications (direction and street names) on a post-it for quick reference.
I prefer to stop somewhere with a wall at my back in order to consult a map or stare at a landmark. If that’s not available, I move to a wide open space where anyone approaching me can be seen. Consider ducking into a store for directions or to consult your map.
- Be Unpredictable
If you suspect you are being followed/targeted by a pickpocket, change directions, stop and go in a different direction. Enter into the nearest shop for a few minutes to collect yourself and perhaps to make them lose interest. Pickpockets love stations because people entering and exiting them are very concentrated on getting to their next destination, and their paths are obvious.
When my father came to visit and we were in Torino, I noticed three gypsies scoping him out as we waited to cross the street near the station. Instead of crossing the street which I felt would only create a cat and mouse game, I halted my father and pointed out a bus stop down the street as we stood aside, making idle chitchat. Everyone else crossed the street, we missed the light, but more importantly the gypsies lost interest when they saw they couldn’t take advantage of the confusion and went in a completely different direction to look for a new target.
- Don’t Stop to Talk or Answer Questions from Strangers
Chances are, you look like a tourist more than you would like to, and pickpockets have learned how to recognize a potential mark. Therefore, it is very unlikely someone will need to stop you and ask for directions or assistance in English if you are in a foreign country. In all actuality, they probably know you are a tourist already and are seeking to confirm this and perhaps create some conversation to relax/distract you for a partner. We all want to be compassionate and help others, but when you are vulnerable with luggage and finding your way, think of yourself first. Walk with purpose.
- When Traveling in Groups, Designate Lookouts
When you are traveling alone, you may feel vulnerable because you are solo, but in groups pickpockets can take advantage of the confusion to pick on your most distracted members. Consider asking a member of your group who is planning to sit out, and can therefore concentrate on his surroundings, to keep an extra eye out. Keep the weaker members of your group in the middle when walking somewhere and those more attentive in the back.
Protecting Your Belongings – Make it Difficult to get to Your Stuff
- When carrying a purse or bag, wear the flap against your body and keep a hand on it
I only travel with purses that close with a single, central zipper (single entry point) like this one or this one. I make sure every time I carry it with the zipper facing front and directly under my arm where I can keep an eye on it. Mini backpacks or purses that are open on top? Targets. If you have a flap on your purse or messenger bag, make sure it’s close against your body and not facing outwards. Get a messenger bag with a zip on top like this one.
- While drinking or eating outside, NEVER put your purse/bag on the ground or hang it on the chair behind you.
I can’t tell you how many friends have had their bags stolen while dining. Put it on your lap or on the table if it’s a small purse. If you’ve got longer straps or a single shoulder strap, do what I do and hang the purse off your knee in front of you. Maybe it’s a little uncomfortable, but having your bag stolen is more uncomfortable, trust me. If you have no other option, consider putting the leg of the chair through the straps of your purse or backpack.
Something I carry with me always is a “Purse Hook/Hanger” which a colleague gave to me. This way you can hang the purse directly from the table where you can see it but it’s not on the ground. You could also use it to hang a shopping bag. Highly recommended!!
- Don’t keep important things in ANY outside pockets in your suitcase, jacket, or purse.
If you have to give pickpockets access to something (you have too much luggage or several bags) make sure it’s not worth taking. Keep underwear in outside luggage pockets and not important documents. Use inside pockets of jackets and purses that have a zipper and/or button to hold important documents, and take advantage of clothing layers to keep your documents buried as much as possible.
- Use a Money Belt
This is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to lower the impact of a pickpocket. Use a money belt to keep your passport, extra credit cards and cash safe and out of sight. Keep that day’s cash and a credit card in your day purse/wallet for easy access. If you must get into your money belt, do it in a safe area like a bathroom stall or changing room. Getting into your money belt to make regular purchases is not an effective use of it and draws attention to where you store your money.
If you prefer to carry a money belt and/or passport holder, make sure you don’t advertise where it is. Many times I’ve seen tourists walking around with a very visible passport holder bouncing freely under their t-shirt, or with the neck cord poking out and trailing down their back. They might as well wear a bull’s-eye! I prefer to use a neck passport holder like this one and actually wear it around my waist, tucked into my pants (also a good alternative for summer when wearing light tops). It was comfortable and not as noticeable, or you can get the traditional money belt version or an actual belt to conceal currency. My father prefers to hide things in his socks. I’m not sure I recommend that, but if you’re interested in a leg pocket, those exist too!
- Bring the Bare Essentials When You Can
If you have a good base location such as a hotel or a friend’s house, why not lighten up what you’re carrying with you when going shopping, walking in crowded markets or areas? Some reputable hotels also offer safe services for valuables.
Using Public Transportation – Stay Balanced and Aware
Pickpockets are counting on your being unbalanced, distracted and crowded on public transportation. If you can, read about certain buses or public transportation that are most used by tourists – these are usually pickpocket buffets (the 64 bus from Termini to St. Peter’s in Rome is notorious for this).
- Stand defensive and prepared.
Swing any backpacks around to the front of your body and put your arms through the straps to keep your hands free. Not only will this help you keep an eye on it, it will make you more appreciated by regular riders as backpacks usually swing into people and take up more room. I used to tie the cords hanging off my backpack zippers together so it was harder to open. If rolling a piece of luggage, place it in front of you between you and your handhold, as close to a wall as possible.
- Keep the right hands occupied, and the right hands free.
Keep a hand on your purse and close to your body and the other hand to stabilize your body while the public transportation is in motion. Don’t hold on with the same arm that should be protecting your bag! To further stabilize yourself, if you can’t get a seat, make sure to center your body in front of the pole, seat or other handhold so you won’t be thrown off-balance. Stand with your knees slightly bent to react with turns and bumps. Angle one foot in the direction of the braking action (forward for example).
If A Pickpocket Happens to You
In Italy, the only thing you can do is to go to the Questura or local police station to report the crime. Wherever you are at the time, make sure you file your report with the proper authorities and get a copy of the report and/or a file number for reference.
Note: You may encounter a lack of compassion or urgency when filing a report for a stolen purse or wallet, as unfortunately there is little that the police can do to find or punish pickpockets in Italy. Many of them have no identification/papers and can be held only for a few days before being released, and the younger ones can’t even be arrested. Report the pickpocket immediately anyway and keep a copy of the report for your records and/or for insurance reasons.
Preparing Yourself Before a Trip
Before leaving, photocopy important documents and leave a copy with a relative/friend who can fax them to you if necessary. Keep a list of contact numbers available in your suitcase for reporting stolen credit cards along with a copy of your passport and other important documents. I also keep these support numbers in an email draft in my email so that I can access them from any computer (please note: I am not recommending you store credit card numbers in an email, just the customer support numbers).
Things to make a copy of and leave with a friend:
- Credit card contact numbers (leave a copy of the front and back of your credit cards at home, not in your suitcase)
- Passport
- Tickets and travel reservation numbers
- Hotel reservations
- Other identification
A Final Note
All of these precautions are not to make you so paranoid on your next trip that you won’t enjoy it! But once learned, they can only add to your awareness when in unfamiliar situations. Use your instincts and a little common sense to avoid being a victim, so you can enjoy the sights and beauty of your host country!
Have you been a victim of a pickpocket? Could it have been avoided? Have a tip to avoid being pickpocketed?? Put it in the comments!!
45 responses so far ↓
Last month, I was robbed in Barcelona at the train station in a matter of less than ten seconds. My sister and I were victims of the “Don’t Stop to Talk or Answer Questions from Strangers” scam.
This was my third time to Barcelona. I travel a LOT and had no problems with pickpockets before, so I think I was a little overconfident that nothing was going to happen since it hadn’t happened yet – I don’t even wear a money belt (warning!). I am usually very aware of my belongings wherever I am, but the one time I let my guard down – I was tired and this happened right before I was ready to board the overnight train….they caught me. Plus, we had been traveling all over Europe (and Egypt) for a month and only had 3 days left on our trip and nothing bad had happened so my guard was totally down!!!
One of the train station employees saw us freaking out and ran to help us. I filed a police report the next morning and then went to the US Consulate to get a temporary passport. The policeman was very kind and patient with my awful Spanish-speaking skills. The consulate workers were so nice, too, and were able to get me a passport within two hours before I had to leave for Madrid.
That evening, I arrived in Madrid and had a message waiting for me at the hotel. The Barcelona police had recovered some of my belongings – I didn’t get back my (crappy) laptop, brand-new digital camera, passport, or wallet. But I got back several things of sentimental value that meant nothing to them like my (empty) purse, some paperwork, my driver’s license, a map of Madrid, a Coach wristlet, and my English-Spanish dictionary. They overnighted the stuff to me at my hotel in Madrid.
It was a violating experience but I was not physically harmed so for that I am grateful. Some people are surprised to hear that I am going back to Barcelona in November for vacation. Barcelona is one of my favorite places to visit, and I am not going to let a few thieves ruin my love for the city. I’ll just be more careful, and with a money belt on me :)
Sara, I thought I was the only paranoid one! I’m very aware of my belongings at all times and try to be highly aware of my surroundings, walk with purpose, etc. One thing I will add is that if you for whatever reason have to walk down a deserted street late at night, stride briskly down the middle of the road and with keys out (as if you are almost home and know where you are going). Also, if you are in the middle of the road, you can’t be pulled into a dark doorway and there is probably better illumination from street lamps. This is one I always remember from my orientation at Columbia when I first moved to New York. Sometimes half the battle, like you said, is not looking like a target.
My Father was pick pocketed last September on a train in Rome. He was there with my Mom and Brother. It all happened so fast. It wasn’t until after the fact that my Brother and Father realized who had done it. It was a group of young boys. They put on their ‘act’ and then did their thing. Dad had his wallet in his back pocket. I know, easy access! He never thought once to put it anywhere else, as he is not an experienced traveler. Of course, he lost all of his important documents, like drivers license, social security card etc. Hopefully, he came out of it a little more aware of what to do the next time around.
It’s not paranoid, it’s aware! Sara, you are a smart cookie, indeed.
I use my bra for extra money, wear bigger underpants so the passport can be tucked in somewhere. Sounds weird, but it works. They CAN get all of it, but they’d have to cart me off unconscious to a hidden place to do it.
Another tip is no matter what the style may be, keep shoulder straps short enough so your purse rides on your hip or under your armpit.
I am not a bit shy about yelling “Via!” at kids or sleazeballs too. Learn the local lingo for help, as well. Don’t be shy about making a scene if you feel threatened.
I work in the Stazione Centrale area and I know lots of pickpockets tour the area for 2-3 months stints in late spring and in winter. I have learned that’s enough to hang the bag on the front (like an apron), instead of have it hanging on the side. It’s less comfortable, but much safer. Besides, I use a lot my ears: I have always gotten the thieves because of tiny sounds they made while behind me. (Except in one case when I saw their shadows.)
Also, when I happen to sit putside, I may place the bag on the ground, but I always hold firmly it beteween my two feet. In order to get at it, a thief ought to crawl all the way under the table (it would not be enough to just bend or kneel) and then to skirt around my legs, and being the bag not just sitting between them but firmly held in place, to avoid making anuy movement felt: too hard to try.
Excellent advice.
I’d also suggest not standing near the doorway of the bus or subway train. This is especially true if you feel that a person is (oddly) blocking your way and keeping you from further entering.
As soon as the doors-closing-beep starts, someone will dash past you and out the door. Doors close, and your wallet is gone.
Sadly, I’ve seen this happen more than once.
Oh – men: don’t keep your wallet in the side pocket of baggy pants or shorts.
Very bad idea.
Hi Sara :) I love your blog, you are living my dream!! I am tagging you for a meme and you can check out the details on my blog. Hope to hear a little more about you!
Sara these are great tips.
I don’t have a money (too troublesome) belt but I am very aware of my surroundings and so far no problems.
One thing that surprised me was seeing American tourists walking around with iPods. That to me is crazy. You look stand out as a target by your outfit and you are going to be distracted by listening to loud music . If I were a pickpocket I would hit those people first, followed by the tourists with the back packs.
A friend told me a good friend of hers was taking the train from Rome to Florence. A well dressed person bump into her “by accident”. When she sat town her purse was gone. Some folks are hard core.
Luckily I’ve never been on the receiving end, but I always say knock on wood. I think your advice to not be an easy target is the best.
I was shocked a few weeks back when I actually saw two young boys pickpocketing a woman from behind, in front of my very eyes! I was so taken aback that I wasn’t able to react in time to tip her off. I was completely speechless. But that prepared me so in case I ever see something like that again, I will definitely yell to the person who is being pickpocketed to grab their wallet! Now I see those boys walking up and down the same street frequently… such a nuisance.
One question: why do you suggest that putting a purse on the ground is not a good idea? I always put mine between both of my feet. Have you heard of purses getting swiped this way? Hanging on my knee would be way too awkward. I like the idea of putting the leg of the chair through the straps. I did have one of those purse hangers, a friend brought it back from Spain for me, but I could never remember to keep it with me.
Wise words indeed, I had my bag stolen from by my feet at the Airport in Bergamo last year, and I am a very paranoid traveller when it comes to keeping an eye on my stuff – it only takes seconds! If anyone knows where you can buy those bag hangers in Milan – let me know.
What an interesting post! Thank you for sharing this valuable information!
Wow, I guess I should have asked you guys for suggestions before I wrote the article! :) Great (and unfortunate) stories!
@Brooke – Thanks for the meme tag, but unfortunately I’m not a big fan of memes and I don’t do them anymore. :( Sorry. In Feb. I answered “Things You don’t Know about me” which is in the Archives!
@Shelley – I have had several friends get bags stolen from Trastevere! If you put yours between your feet you’re probably ok – it’s just if you start moving around and it gets pushed to the side, etc. They love the outside dining!
Have you seen the anti-theft bags sold by http://www.pacsafe.com ? they have zippers that can be clipped shut making them tamperproof, steel mesh inside so the bags can’t be cut with a razor, steel in the straps so they can’t be cut and you can lock the bag to your chair so it can’t be snatched and a bunch of other clever features. I used their daypack when I travelled in Europe and felt really safe. They have bags for men and women.
Excellent post. It’s a shame we have to be so defensive today, but that’s just the way things are, aren’t they?
Great advice, Sara! I HATE the deal with my purses outside, becauase I always feel paranoid, too. I am glad (I suppose) to know I am not alone. Thanks for the tips!
Great post! And great video! Watch out for kids who walk by you closely and bump into you (esp if you’re in a big crowd), kids holding signs who get too close to you, and gypsy women with babies (who will shove it into your arms). Anything that serves as a distraction to pick your pockets!!!
ALSO some pickpockets dress nicely or like tourists (backpack, camera, etc)!!!
ALWAYS be alert! ALWAYS look behind you to see who’s checking to take something from you!
Vero vero!
ma la relativa realtà … triste
Grazie per la informaziona !
Bacini!
Calabrisella
I’ve been pickpocketed 4 times in Florence. Italy. All that was stolen all 4 times was my cellphone so I finally wised up and bought one of those necklace type harnesses so I always see it/feel it.
Great post though!
Great tips!! Everyone traveling needs to heed your advice!
We just got back from two weeks in Europe and I used a Pacsafe bag and a camera strap, both had the steel cables in the strap. I practiced safe travel, but having those things kept me from feeling totally paranoid.
Unfortunately, we observed a theft in Barcelona on Las Ramblas. A woman had left her bag on the floor near her chair while eating. A young man in line near my husband dropped his backpack and a few small items fell out. He bent down to collect his things and left, which we thought was odd. A minute later the woman noticed her bag missing. That’s when we realized what happened. It was sad to see her crying and so upset. It was the first day of our trip and that really taught us a lesson.
Great post, the only thing I would add is to be careful in public transportation when you are entering or leaving subway stations in places like Paris (where I’m from and have seen this happen) and there is a crowd because it’s rush hour or a large station with connections, stay close together and don’t let anyone come between you and someone else in your group or get very close to you particularly on escalators and stairways. Pickpockets typically target you and then try to wedge themselves in knowing that in the confusion/rush/crowd, it will be easy to pickpocket you. If people are getting onto an escalator in droves, wait until there’s a lull.
No one has mentioned this experience so I will in case it helps someone else. I travelled to Florence with a 16 year old daughter in 2000. We realized we were being shadowed by pickpockets around Florence during the week and tried to be careful. On the morning of our last day I stopped to open my purse facing towards a storefront to get my glasses. It took about 3 seconds for a gypsy mother holding a baby and her daughter to get her arm inside my purse. She startled me by shoving me with her baby. She was unlucky though, I lived in the W.I. for many years and did all my own laundry so I have very strong hands. I held on to that woman’s arm and didn’t let go. Her daughter kicked my daughter after she started screaming at the woman, by then a crowd had gathered and many Italians had started swearing at her. She panicked, let go of what she’d grapped and they ran. We realized they were following us about a block later. They’re not shy! We went back to the hotel, had a drink, got our nerve back and went out to enjoy Florence on our last day. Using babies is a sad way of unnerving foreigners but it’s done. Anyway, they won’t drop their own child, don’t be flustered by it and hold on to your purse.
For my Italy trip later this year I bought a combination compass and whistle to hang around my neck. Who knows, the whistle might come in handy, either for me or someone else in case of a threat or pickpocket.
i carry my change purse inside my bra all the time even if i have pockets. its a full proof system that works. if you try it just dont wear tight fitting jerseys that will draw attention to it.
I spent six weeks in Florence this summer and I managed to get through it without being pickpocketed. An important tip, though, is to keep your purse on your inside shoulder. That is, the shoulder furthest from the traffic side of the sidewalk. Purse snatchers have to zipping by on vespas and taking purses with them.
A friend of mine was almost pickpocketed by a gypsy girl (maybe about 12 yrs old) in Rome, but luckily another member of our class caught her in the act and scared her away. The lesson there is to be aware, especially in crowded tourist situations (this was at the Forum in the ruins, and it was packed with people).
Finally, if you’re going to be in Italy for any length of time, the best way to stay safe is to get to know everyone who lives near you. Take the time to greet and exchange small talk with your neighbors and nearby shopkeepers (in Italian if at all possible). They’ll keep an eye on your place and tell you about ANY strange visitors to the area.
When I go to Rome, I always carry along a purse of no value, write some bad things on it (like ” e mò vattelo a pijà nder c…) and get it stolen, with my utmost pleasure ;-)
Just got back from Italy, got too careless after 2 weeks in Florence and got pickpocked entering a crowded bus about 3 blocks from the Central Station. The warnings are to be taken seriously. It took me a while to get over the anger over the incident. The police were no help and one of my stolen credit cards was hit for $1,100 withing one hour of the theft. I will not get so careless again and will probably not go back to Florence.
Please don’t “not go” because of these events – you are at as much risk of being a crime victim in the US as in Europe or anywhere else in the world. It is just a question of trying to be Europe-savvy as opposed to US-savvy. Definitely watch out for the mopeds and vespas (purse snatching). Most tourist-targeted crime is non-violent – Italians rarely mix violence with theft (unless drug dealings are involved). Michelle, it is truly unlikely that an Italian will snatch you into a doorway and commit a violent crime just to get your passport, wallet, camera, etc – unless you are suddenly caught in Jason Bourne, or are wearing a lot of extremely expensive jewelry or they know for a fact you are carrying several thousand in cash – not likely for a regular tourist. This is way more likely to happen in any US city.
Funny note on the Gypsies: most of the babies are borrowed for the day to aid in distracting potential victims and/or elicit pity from potential alms-givers! Don’t be fooled – most of them live better than Bill Gates and make a living off your pity.
I would like someone help me with ideas in how I can use a camcorder to film carnival in Rio De Janeiro without being stolen my camera.
Which is the best way to carry a camcorder and film in a multitude?
And also, how can I go to the beach for filming natural places without risk, remember there was a riot in Rio beach not far ago.
I have lot of stories:
Once, I was being pick-pocketed in the Pink Floyd concert in Venice in 1998
I woman was cross-crossing in front of me, slowing me down and cutting my way in the multitude.
In the mean time, a man was trying to get my wallet from my right side pant pocket.
He couldn’t get the wallet out because was so full of money that was hard to take out, so he steal me something, as vaporetto tickets.
I am stubborn, and I chase the guy and recover my tickets.
One thing to learn, If you walk in a multitude with your wallet in the side pant pocket, keep your arms close to your tight to your body, protecting your wallet, it works!
A money belt is a must!
Also in Rio, dress as the locals or even poorest, but the locals get robbed too!
A riot is different story, how to be filming and survive a riot is another question.
I(16) travelled in italy with my mom and some of her friends’ families. I was the only fluent English speaker, and the rest were mostly totally dummies. I was very terrified after reading some stuff about safety on the internet, but Im glad I
did.
I bought money belts and passport bag for mom and I. We carried our backpacks in front, I didnt wanted my digital camera to be stolen of course!
These advice are simply great. People may look extremely easy when they are travelling.
Thx
Ciao! The thieves can be very cunning & brazen, for ex., my girlfriend had a bag stolen while waiting in line at Aeroporto Marco Polo (Venezia). One old man pointed at some money on the ground & asked if it was ours. We turned to pick up the money — it wasn’t ours, but it was too tempting… Then we realized her bag was gone, and he was gone, too. If anyone points out money on the ground, watch out!
Buon Viaggio!
I will bite the jugular of any pick pocket who crosses my path
We were in London and needed to get a train from Clapham to Gatwick. It was close to midnight. We were unsure of where to buy tickets. We began to check the machines and while looking flustered, a man came up and attempted to help us. I told him no thanks, but my husband being the trusting saint he is, allowed the man to help us with tickets. First time it didn’t go through then second time it did. My husband turned around and thanked the man warmly…ugh! As far as I know, nothing was stolen, but we ended up giving him about 10 pounds for his help. I could have killed my husband on the spot! Be careful if someone comes to help you buy tickets from machines. You could end up worse off than we did. A lesson nevertheless for our next trip.
I love your website! I’m going to Italy this summer and are already thinking in advance on how to protect my stuff. I have been warned about the pick pocketers. So I will be carrying a purse/backpack in front of me at all times. It’s the camera I’m a bit worried about, but a steel cable as I saw on one of your comments sounds interesting. Again love your site = it is one of my daily stops.
Great information! I did not have trouble on my trips to Italy but I tend to walk fast and with purpose! However, I did get stopped to ask for directions on several occasions. (I just thought it was because I look Italian and look like I know where I’m going) Anyway, I did the shoulder shrug, smiled and kept going.
Was on a train with my family and a team of about 5 men took advantage of the crowd and wedged me against a center pole. I felt one of them trying to get my wallet out of my back pocket. (I keep it there because it’s impossible to remove, as this thief ultimately found out!) He kept trying with no luck until I said something to him, which he ignored. Then, they started bumping against my wife and kids and creating a disturbance. At this point, they were able to remove a camera from my backpack before I could get everyone off the train at the next stop. The Italians on the train did nothing to help. My kid saw the man sneak my camera under his shirt. Pretty horrible morning. I think I was targeted in this way because they knew the pushing and shoving of my family would distract me.
One other thing…watch the cab drivers carefully. Caught one guy trying to change zones on the meter (they point to cathedrals, etc., to distract you, and a 6 euro drive becomes 16 euros) The same guy also palmed a 5 euro bill and when I handed him 20, he claimed I still owed him money. Hand over money very carefully to these guys and announce what you are giving him.
I live in Romania and traveled to Szeged, Budapest and Vienna (besides many parts of Romania). I was NEVER robbed or lost anything. And trust me, I walk wt the map in my hand pretty much anywhere. What I do is use a backpack and put in front of me. Or a small purse, again, against my body and within the reach of my hand. I never keep my valuables in the outside pocket though. Plus if you are not showing your camera or jewelry you are not a target. Not to mention that my jeans look like they were in war lol The point is to look “normal” and if possible “blend in” (that’s why i love the discount stores lol).
Very informative post and BLOG!
I added a ling to mine!
Have to say that growing up in Romania I learned this by experience unfortunately.
Public transportation is the best field for pickpocketing since the buses and trams are filled to the max!
And since cash is the main currency (credit card is not common) you REALLY need to be aware of this.
I have to stress that you need to dress to sort of “blend in” with the culture and not stand out.
I will refer in my blog to your article for people who travel to Romania (and anywhere else for that matter) because it is the best one I found in this subject!
CONGRATS!
Gabi from mamaliga.com
I have never had a personal property crime committed against me in all my years of traveling. I’ve been to Beijing, Hong Kong, most Italian cities, big to small, London, many American cities, Prague, Frankfurt, etc. never have been pickpocketed. I travel alone most of the time and often wear my digital camera on my neck, but no one ever bothered me. I spent a lot of time in Naples and never had a problem. One time a older man tried to “assist” me with buying a short train ticket by bringing me to the newstand, then he wanted me to give him some tip for his help. I told him no because I have no money to give, if I knew he would ask for money I wouldn’t let him help. So he went away.
Talk about crowed public transportation, I have been in such in Rome, Hong Kong, Beijing, etc., but I always have my wallet and important document in the front pocket or the jacket’s inner pocket.
I also have no problem calling out someone’s act in public. I dress however I want, but I am always aware of my surrounding and am willing to use force against those who try to commit a crime against me.
For the last 6 years my wife, a high-school teacher, has taken students on educational tours (shameless plug: EF Educational Tours out of Denmark, with their US operation out of Boston, a terrific organization). Most of the trips have been in Europe — Britain, France, Italy, Spain — though last year they went to Peru and later this year they are going to China. My wife and her fellow teachers/group leaders are VERY security-conscious, and insist that every kid (A) buy an ar0und-the-neck pouch for his or her passport, credit/ATM card, money and documents, and (B) USE the pouch, i.e., keep it inside his or her shirt at all times. It appears to work: no one has ever lost anything except once, on the Peru trip, when one of the kids foolishly put her passport and cash in her backpack and lost ‘em both — most likely to a pickpocket, but who knows for sure?
I personally think the pouch is overkill. My anti-theft method is simpler, and has always worked perfectly, no matter where I’ve traveled. First, I don’t take very much stuff. What, after all, do I need when I’m traveling? My passport; my ATM card; one credit card; and some folding cash (not too much at any one time, maybe the equivalent of $100; that’s why I have the ATM card). I put the ATM card, credit card, and most of the cash inside the passport, put 2 heavy-duty rubber bands around the passport (one the long way, the other the short way), and put the package into the FRONT pocket of my pants. With the rubber bands around it, it’s very difficult if not impossible to remove the package from my pocket (even for me!), and I am pretty sure that no matter how sure-handed a pickpocket might be, I would feel him or her trying to extricate it from my pants. I might be wrong, but as I said, nothing has ever been stolen — so the proof of the pudding, as they say….
Plus I always keep, in a separate pocket, a photocopy of the ID pages of my passport, with the phone numbers of the bank’s lost-ATM-card service and the lost-credit-card service written on the back. That way, if I ever lose my passport and the stuff inside it, relief (at least some peace of mind) is a couple of quick phone calls away.
I was in Brussels, Belgium tonight. I was in Delirium, a bar, and put my purse on the back of my chair (stupid I know) but I was at a table with 15 of my other friends and figured they would see if someone tried to reach into my purse from behind. Not so. I went to the bathroom and all of my euros, including my american cash, was gone, they had opened my change pocket and all of the change spilled out into my purse, and there was a lot of salt in the bottom of my purse (weird!) We had put two sweaters on top of my wallet and my purse was zipped, this just goes to show that these people are experts at what they do and KEEP YOUR PURSE IN YOUR LAP/ between your legs because they WILL get you! I am still in shock, but thank the lord they didn’t take my credit card or ID or anything! I have learned my lesson! Just trying to help everyone else out! I was not used to this kind of thing but be aware it is very very common!
I am naturally paranoid about having my things stolen. My husband and I went to Florence and Pisa for a few days during the Memorial Day weekend. I wanted to prepare myself a little for pickpockets so I’ve been “researching” precautions. You don’t have to buy any of those fancy bags with the steel mesh (like Pacsafe), if it’s for a short trip, in my opinion. If you’re backpacking then I would consider it but my husband had a neck pouch and I carried a messenger bag with the flap against my body. I do agree about what to bring. BARE MINIMUM! Between the two of us we had 1 credit card, cash (split between us in case one of us got our stuff stolen), and our passports were locked inside our luggage back at the hotel (I’m still not sure if that was a good idea or not but it didn’t get taken, so). I personally like to carry smaller bills so if a 20 euro gets ripped from my hands then who cares. I’d still be mad but there are worse things to get stolen then a small thing of cash. I would also make sure the straps on the bag are a little thicker than normal or leather…just in case someone decides to cut the straps. Also, my messenger bag has a flap AND zipper opening, along with zipper pockets inside. I separated my cash from the important documents so when I reached in, if an unwanted hand came diving in as well, all they’d be grabbing is cash. No biggie. Also make sure you have a hand resting on your bag as well so you’ll be able to feel movement. I know other posts have successfully used other, probably less complicated ways of combating pickpockets but like I said, I’m paranoid. Needless to say I didn’t think much about pickpockets at all during my visit but I was aware. Don’t let them get you so hyped up that it ruins the trip you paid so much money for. Just take small precautions and you’ll be fine.
Excellent tips,
thank you for taking the time to collect and report about the pitfalls and how to avoid them.
The thieves certainly never sleep, unfotunately.
Ciao,
Merisi
Thank you so much for posting all these wonderful tips, I am going to Italy with my family in a couple of weeks and I’ll be sure to pass these on to everyone.
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