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Top 10 places to have your pocket picked

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) on Oct 4th 2009 at 8:00AM

I always get a laugh when I see people walk the streets of Manhattan with backpacks worn on their fronts. Millions of people commute into and around the city every day, yet the outnumbered visitors take extreme measures to make sure their subway maps and recently purchased Planet Hollywood t-shirts remain in their control.

Of course, pickpocketing is a concern in many tourist destinations around the world, and it does pay to be cautious. In the latest TripAdvisor list of cities where this crime is most prevalent, New York doesn't make an appearance. In fact, no city in the United States is represented. Yet, there are plenty of places where you could be separated from your wallet quite easily, so if you're thinking about hitting any of these spots, keep an eye on your valuables.

Eight of the top 10 pickpocketing locations in the world are in Europe, with one in South America and the other in Southeast Asia. Spain and Italy share the dubious distinction of making the list twice.

Ready to find out where this crime is most common? Take a look at the list after the jump.

1. Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain
The wide pedestrian walkway has performers and is great for people watching. Of course, there are a few purse-snatchers who have realized this, making the spot a nice big target.

2. Rome, Italy
You might want to look out for a pair of scissors, but chances are, you won't see them coming. Crowds gathering around ancient relics are easy prey for the "alternatively employed."

3. Prague, Czech Republic
Wandering the statues around the Charles Bridge? You're not alone! Stay aware of your surroundings, because those looking for your wallet and watch certainly are.

4. Madrid, Spain
When I was in Madrid earlier this year, I didn't have a problem at all. But, jam-packed metro cars and the El Rastro fleamarket are said to be high-risk spots. Also, be careful in museums. While you're gazing at "Guernica," nefarious plans may be in the works. When you're distracted ... you're easy.

5. Paris, France
Instead of having your money taken, just cave and give it to the "Bosnian" beggars at every tourist attraction in the city.

6. Florence, Italy
If you're wrapped up in the amazing sights – things you've waited your entire life to see – you can easily fall victim. Michelangelo's "David" won't grab your goods, but one of his neighbors may.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The common scam is to pour "bird droppings" (usually mustard) on you and offer to help you clean it up. It's not the good deed you may think it is.

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The laid-back vibe of this city is likely to let your guard down. There are plenty of people counting on this.

9. Athens, Greece
Big attractions that draw plenty of people ensure that pickpockets can choose who to go after. Your level of diligence will determine whether it's you.

10. Hanoi, Vietnam
There is plenty to see in the Old Quarter, and it's easy to lose sight of the pickpocketing threat when you've spent more than a day traveling to reach Hanoi. Make sure you're awake when you leave the hotel.

Filed under: Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Vietnam, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United States, Argentina

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

needcaffeine Oct 4th 2009 11:00AM

quite surprised that Shenzhen, China (or any Chinese City) isn't on that list.

Dave Oct 4th 2009 11:36AM

Or...South African cities. I almost had my pocket picked in broad daylight on a crowded Cape Town city sidewalk.

thiefhunter Oct 4th 2009 4:28PM

I study pickpockets around the world. I find, follow, and film them, then interview them. While Dave is right that South African cities have their shares of thieves, it doesn't quite make the top-ten list. St. Petersburg, Russia should have been on the list though. And so should Naples, Italy. European travelers wear their backpacks in front as a safety habit. It's like Americans waiting for the pedestrian signs to say "walk" in Naples; the locals laugh and walk straight into traffic, though we wouldn't dream of doing that. Habit. It's what we've been taught.

There's plenty of pickpocketing in the U.S., but instead of ruining the reputation of a single city, the thieves tend to rove. They follow the big events, like Super Bowls, big concerts, Kentucky Derby, and fights. That's where the crowds are, the natural distractions, the good moods, drinking, and fat wallets. For insights on individual thieves, their stories, and tips on how to avoid becoming their victims, check out Thiefhunters in Paradise at http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters

Braulio Oct 4th 2009 4:46PM

Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, are the most dangerous in Latin America

Justruss Oct 5th 2009 5:43AM

I live in Prague as an expat and am surprised by how highly ranked the city is on this list.

Barcelona, on the other hand, does not surprise. When visiting Las Ramblas at the beginning last new year, I was accosted (unsuccessfully) by pickpockets on numerous occasions - the first within hours of arrival.

I've never been a victim here, but my wife recently lost her wallet from her purse. I see American tourists here regularly who have no idea of the problem and are easy pickings.

The best advice I can offer - aside from securing valuables - is that in almost every European country, nobody will approach or touch you unless that person wants your valuables.

Unexpected Traveller Oct 5th 2009 11:17AM

I've only had my pocket picked once and that was in London which isn't even on the list. Here in Brussels, there are constant warnings in the metro and train stations with announcements in multiple languages broadcast over the tannoy system as well as numerous posters here and there.

Pick-pocketing is not the only thing that you're warned about in Brussels though: http://unexpectedtraveller.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/music-on-the-move/

The Unexpected Traveller

Madrid Spain native Oct 15th 2009 5:37AM

Its curious that Tripadvisor would produce a list that contains their top ten destinations saying that theres pickpockets in each. Personally I don't believe they've done any real research and are simply choosing the top ten travel destinations worldwide to try and get people onto their site. Its guerilla / social marketing at its simplest.

What suprises me is that big companies such as the BBC and CNN have gone and re printed the story.
Take an honest look at El Rastro http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/el-rastro.html and theres just a simple byline as to pickpockets...