How to Avoid Pickpocketing in Europe
Written on July 10, 2025
Europe may not have a great deal of violent crime, but it does have its share of petty theft and pickpocketing. Unfortunately for travelers, pickpockets target tourists because they are often distracted by their surroundings and frequently carry bags stuffed with money, identification, expensive phones, and other valuables. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for your trip and deter theft while enjoying your destination.
Tips for Deterring Pickpockets During Your Travels
While these tips are not guaranteed to prevent theft while abroad, they could lessen your chances of becoming a victim:
Prepare Before Traveling
- Make copies of important documents and store them online for easy access if you are separated from your hard copies during your trip.
- Prepare your phone for travel, too. Back up your data, use password protection, install a “Find My Phone” app, and know how to sync contents to the cloud.
- Leave the expensive luggage and jewelry at home, as these will draw unwanted attention. A popular trend on social media is buying a “travel ring” – a fake diamond to wear as your engagement/wedding ring in lieu of your precious jewelry. While you may want to wear a nondescript, simple piece of jewelry instead of your actual ring or ring set, a large flashy fake will still garner attention you don’t want and potentially set you in someone’s sight for theft.
- Become acquainted with digital payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal on your phone so you can handle cash and credit cards with less frequency.
- Purchase a money belt to wear for extra security when sightseeing along with a crossbody bag worn across the chest that can be effective for theft prevention as well.
Stay Aware in Crowds
- It’s easy to lose focus in your surroundings when navigating a bustling thoroughfare, snapping the perfect photo of social media, or gazing at stunning architecture. Avoid commotion, as staged situations are crafted to distract tourists and target purses and pockets.
- Be especially vigilant in train stations and on public transportation where pickpockets can jostle and bump their way through crowds snatching valuables without detection. Crowds provide the perfect cover – and escape route – for pickpockets.
Keep Track of Your Belongings
- Always remain in physical contact with your “stuff” – don’t haphazardly set down your bags while waiting in line or place your camera on a restaurant table, for example. Keep your day bag strap looped through your arm or leg when dining and attach items like your phone or camera to a strap or lanyard to secure them around your body during use. You can also secure these straps to your bag, which is also helpful if you’re prone to losing items. (Losing items is more common than theft when traveling!)
- “Locking” your zippers closed with even a twist tie, paper clip, or keychain ring can act as a deterrent – the goal is making your bag more challenging to access than
tsomeone else’s. Pickpockets strive for ease, so any small obstacles you create between them and access to your belongings is advantageous.
If you prepare yourself as much as possible before travel, you can decrease your chances of being targeted on vacation.
For Further Reading:
Newsweek: American Living in Europe Reveals How to Avoid Pickpockets During Vacation
USA Today: How Not to Be a Pickpocket Victim
Stuff You Should Know Podcast: Pickpockets – Artists or Crooks?
