Guard your valuables closely in these three cities, Any experienced traveler understands that danger is always around the corner. What even the best international travelers may not know is that some inherent dangers come in the most subtle ways. While strong-arm mugging and violent crime targeted at foreigners is still a problem (especially in developing nations), some criminals have found ways to stealthily depart travelers from their possessions.
In many major European cities, pick pocketing is not just a petty common crime: it is considered an art form by the best practitioners and a major nuisance to city police. When planning a trip to one of these three European tourist destinations, be sure to hold on to valuables tightly – lest a crafty pickpocket strikes, looking to separate tourists from their wallets, camera, and anything else in hand.
Barcelona, Spain: pick pocketing capital of the world
Some international travelers may consider Barcelona as the pick pocketing capital of the world – but not just because of the number of petty thefts that happen every year. Pickpockets on the streets of this major Spanish city have perfected many ways of lifting items off distracted travelers. What’s more, thieves go out of their way to single out tourists as easy targets.
Pick pocketing in Barcelona usually starts as a crime of opportunity, especially along the famous Las Ramblas pedestrian zone. Would-be thieves will do something to distract targets, such as engage conversation, show off a clever soccer move, or even spill something on them. This causes the traveler to drop their focus as a pickpocket goes in for the steal, walking away anything of value they can get their hands on.
Barcelona is not the only Spanish city that is known for pick pocketing. Travelers visiting the Madrid are often targeted, because of the distractions offered by the museums and historical sites.
Rome: pickpockets abound in old Italy
A destination for tourists and pilgrims alike, Rome is another city where tourists are targeted by pickpocket thieves. Because many of the many attractions and convenient bus lines, pickpockets have many opportunities to strike.
Pickpockets have been known to not only frequent tourist attractions (like the Coliseum, Parthenon, and around the Vatican), but also strike on public transportation. Bus Number 64, commonly used by travelers to get to attractions, is a common gathering place for thieves. Once a group identifies a target, they will often use a distraction to capture the victim’s attention, while one of the team members goes for the steal. At the next stop, the team gets off the bus with their newly acquired goods.
Rome isn’t the only Italian city where travelers should remain on guard. According to TripAdvisor, Florence is another top location for pickpockets. Travelers who visit either of these cities need to make sure their personal items are secure at all times.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is known for it’s incredible sights and historic baroque influences. While considered a world treasure, those taking in the sights are often targets for pickpocket thieves who roam the streets looking to target tourists.
Charles Bridge is one of the top attractions where tourists are targeted. The 30 baroque statues that line either side of the bridge often provide an ample distraction for a pickpocket to steal a wallet, camera, or anything else a traveler is carrying. In addition, six of Prague’s top attractions are outdoors, including Karlova Street, Old Town Square, and Wenceslas Square. Each of these attractions offers a perfect opportunity for a thief to strike quickly, and blend back into the crowd without raising suspicion.
Experts recommend keeping a close eye on one’s surroundings and not getting lost in the beauty of Prague. By looking alert and keeping a hand on valuable items (like wallets), pickpockets may be less likely to consider a traveler a target.
No traveler goes out into the world with the intention of becoming a victim of crime. However, many travelers end up coming home with less than they arrived with as a result of pick pocketing. By understanding how pickpockets work, being alert of one’s surroundings, and keeping a copy of important documents in a secure location while traveling, travelers can reduce their chances of being victimized while traveling in Europe.