Do people pickpocket in Europe?
Do people pickpocket in Europe? While pickpockets can be found in nearly any city, the biggest concentrations are in cities that attract the most tourists (no surprise there). Here is a list of pickpocket hotspots in Europe: Barcelona, Spain. Rome, Italy.
How common is pickpocketing in Europe?
While Europe has little violent crime, it does have its share of petty purse snatching, pickpocketing, phone grabbing, and general ripping off of tourists — especially in places where tourists gather.
Why is there no pickpocketing in the US?
Crime nationwide—from pickpocketing to homicide—has been dropping since the mid-1990s. People carry less cash today, and thanks to enhanced security features, it's harder for thieves to use stolen credit or debit cards than it was in the past.
Can pickpockets steal from backpacks?
Your bag or backpack is probably the most vulnerable area that pickpockets love to target. Backpacks are especially vulnerable because you can't see if someone is trying to get into it.
Do pickpockets target tourists?
Your clothes are a dead giveaway. The stereotype is true: American tourists stick out like a sore thumb when they travel, making them prime targets for pickpockets. Instead of throwing on a T-shirt to rep your alma mater, try to dress like the locals.
What is the best type of bag to avoid pickpockets?
The safest and most convenient style of bag is a crossbody bag that you wear from one shoulder to the opposite hip. A thin flexible wire embedded in the strap makes it slash-resistant to thieves who cut bag straps and then run off with the bag.
Who do pickpockets target?
Who do pickpockets target? Pickpockets look for distracted and unaware travelers. “That's not to say that anyone can be prey, but if you're engrossed in your phone, you're less attentive to what's going on around you,” said Maria Pasquale, a Rome-based travel journalist and author.