This post offers practical tips to protect yourself from pickpockets. Learn how to keep thieves away and protect your valuables from theft— from someone who’s thwarted multiple attempts!
Pickpockets Are Everywhere
It doesn’t matter where you go— every country and city has pickpockets. You’ll find them wherever there are crowds— especially lots of tourists. But if you know their techniques and learn when and where you’re most vulnerable, you can keep your valuables safe while traveling.
Pickpockets Love Distractions
Pickpockets rarely work alone. More often they operate in pairs or teams, and they rely on distractions to lower your guard. They may create the distraction themselves— by spilling something on you or “drunkenly” bumping into you or your table. Sometimes they approach you with a “petition” or question, or fall in front of you. And they may send a swarm of “innocent” kids to surround you (as happened to me and my friends by the train station in Rome). While your attention is diverted elsewhere, one of the accomplices is removing valuables from your pocket, jacket, or bag. Don’t fall for the distraction.
Before going overseas, I showed my students videos of pickpockets in action to illustrate how they operate. So when a “harmless” old lady in Granada stepped in front of Greg and tried to pin a flower on him, his classmate Brad was quick to make a fuss as the accomplice reached for Greg’s wallet from behind.
And while descending the stairs at a metro station in Madrid, I saw a female pickpocket reach inside another chaperone’s backpack. The male accomplice used a large map he was “studying” to conceal her hand. I was a few feet to their right and had just the right angle to see what was happening. There, too, a loud protest sent the pair scurrying away.
Keep Moving to Protect Yourself from Pickpockets
Pickpockets love a stationary target. When possible, keep moving in crowded areas so you don’t become an easy mark. Street performers are a ready-made distraction throughout Europe. It’s easy to mistake the pickpocket’s bump-and-grab for someone just trying to get a better view. Tourists also become easy prey when they stop to take selfies or record videos where large numbers of people are gathered.
Pickpockets are known to target vending and ticket machines, too. One member of the team may offer unsolicited help while the partner targets your bag or coat pocket.
Beware Pickpockets on Escalators
Crowded escalators are a high-risk area. Here, too, people are bumping into one another as passengers in a hurry squeeze past the stationary riders. And your pockets, jacket, and bag are within easy reach of the person behind you.
I once watched a tourist naively flip through his wallet while standing still on an ascending escalator. The thief was descending on the adjacent escalator, snatched the wallet from the owner’s hand, and bolted down the steps to a crowded metro platform. Sometimes the thief doesn’t have to try very hard.
Avoid Chokepoints – Especially on Subways
One of the likeliest places to find a pickpocket is on a subway or bus. Keep an eye out for any individuals who hang back and appear to be scanning the waiting passengers. They are likely choosing their next victim. (When they notice you watching them, they often move on— pickpockets don’t like to be seen.)
The riskiest place on a bus or metro car is the doorway— it’s an easy chokepoint for the pickpocket to exploit, since everyone is pressed in close and barely moving. A classic trick is for one member of the team to block the metro car’s doorway— when passengers start jostling and pushing to quickly board/exit the train before it leaves the station, the accomplice makes the grab.
How to Discourage Pickpockets on the Subway
While waiting for the subway, stand at the least crowded part of the platform with your back against the wall. Board the car with the fewest passengers. If the entire train is packed, wait for the next one.
Never be that passenger who squeezes onto the metro just as the doors are about to close. A waiting thief can easily snatch something from you as the doors snap shut— trapping you inside as he escapes onto the platform. For the same reason, don’t stand near the doorway when riding the subway or a bus.
If you’ve just left a stadium, show, or other big event, kill some time at a café while you wait for the inevitable subway crowd— and pickpockets— to disperse.
Close Call With a Team of Pickpockets
While herding a group of high school students through Barcelona’s metro one summer, I survived a close call with a team of pickpockets. I boarded the train last to make sure we didn’t lose anyone. When the group bottlenecked in the aisle, I got stuck in the open area by the door. The pickpockets swooped in.
A woman grabbed the post in front of me. Her two male accomplices took up positions on either side of me. The men pressed against me from the sides as you might expect on a crowded train. When I tried to slide out of their pincer move, the woman’s grip on the handrail blocked my way. I felt the thief on my right move my backpack and knew what was up, so I started to yell at them in Spanish. They quickly moved away and exited the train at the next stop.
Tips to Protect Your Valuables from Pickpockets
The Barcelona pickpockets left empty-handed because I was wearing an anti-theft backpack. (Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases.) In particular, the locking zippers saved me. (They also thwarted a marauding monkey in Gibraltar, but that’s a story for another day.) Look for a backpack with lightweight, wire mesh in the fabric, too, to prevent slash and grabs. You also want one with wire cables in the straps, to keep someone from cutting the bag off you.
No matter what type of bag you choose, pack strategically. Place the more valuable items toward the center and leave less important things at the bottom, top, and outer edges. You want your costliest stuff in the least accessible place.
I also rely on jackets with zippered, breast pockets (preferably on the inside) for my “carry wallet” (see my list of travel essentials) and carry a decoy wallet with no more than $20 in my pants pocket. Distract the distracter!
Be sure to always cover your hand when entering your PIN at an ATM or to unlock your phone. Thieves with cameras will record you entering the number before stealing your card or device.
Final Thoughts
Finally, bear in mind we’re talking here about nonviolent pickpockets who don’t want to be noticed. If someone approaches you with a gun, knife, or other weapon, it’s probably best to comply and hand over your valuables— they can be replaced.
As common as pickpockets are, there are far more travelers. You’re very likely to enjoy a hassle-free trip, especially if you keep in mind these tips to protect yourself from pickpockets.
Speaking of criminals, check out this article about how to watch a criminal trial at the Old Bailey in London.
And to fill your wallet or purse with extra cash, check out this post about how to save money on travel.
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