Pickpockets...is it really that bad?

[blubelle57]

We just returned from a Med cruise on the Briliance and some friends we made on board were robbed in Monte Carlo. We were surprised about this as we hadn't heard of problems there so it pays to be cautious wherever we travel.

[hat776]

When we were in Lourdes, France (a religious site) a policeman approached me to warn me by handbag wasn't closed properly.

He reminded me that wherever there were crowds or rich pickings

the pickpockets would be there.

That's one of the reasons I am put off showing I am on a cruise

when touring Ports of Call. For many of the pick pockets, they

associate cruising with rich folk.

[themnms]

Just a note about pinning the zippers closed on bags: we had carabiners attached to any zippered opening on our bag, but it's no match for a razor blade or knife or whatever it was the guy used to slash our bag open in several places (without us knowing, they were pushing from the front and from behind on the Naples bus). He ended up stealing our plastic compass. Our cash was in a money belt pinned (and this is one place where pinning has some value) to my underwear ;)

 

so glad you had the sense to be PINNED..lol

[cruzisme]

just to reconfirm all who have responded, using money belts is a great idea when travelling (for your credit cards, passport etc.)

 

have a bit of local cash in your zippered pocket (as an example)

 

no wallet in men's back pockets

 

and just be aware of your surroundings

 

I leave my good jewellry on board the ship and dress very conservatively. I tend to wear pants with zippers if possible and I am very aware of my purse (worn across the body)

 

if you are busy taking pictures and not being aware of yourself and others, you could become a target for pickpockets (I know someone who is an avid photographer who was p/pocketed 3 separate times

[jm1029]

I had a friend who went on a two week trip to Italy. He had a cheap wallet in his back pocket with only a piece of paper that contained two words (and you can figure out what they were). He wanted someone to pick his pocket and was upset when no one did.

[MISSYLOU]

That's a good one.:D

[MISSYLOU]

I agree and I'm the one who started this thread.

 

 

HMSDinghy: Have you been on your Med Cruise yet? Tell us about your experience in Barcelona.

[BigGuy25]

I had a friend who went on a two week trip to Italy. He had a cheap wallet in his back pocket with only a piece of paper that contained two words (and you can figure out what they were). He wanted someone to pick his pocket and was upset when no one did.

 

Rick Steves sells a little leather change purse for carrying small amounts of money in it while the rest of your $$ and credit cards are safely tucked away more securely. It includes a card with a message in six different languages that basically says "Dear Thief ... I'm sorry there is so little money ... maybe you should get into a new profession!"

[Trevoli]

For those carrying a wallet, I've heard that if you wrap it couple times with a rubber band, and then put it in your front pocket, that will deter most anybody, as the rubber band catches on the fabric when someone tries to pull it out.

 

I saw an attempted pickpocketing at a museum in Barcelona. A group of men were touring together, and some little gypsy lady had her hand in an inside pocket of one gentlemen's jacket, and was about to make off with his passport (among other things). Luckily, he caught her and made a big fuss. The security people only escorted her outside, and you can be sure she was back inside in about 20 minutes.

 

I was almost a victim outside the La Sagrada Familia church/museum, also in Barcelona. This was back in 1998, whenever body wore fanny packs. A little gypsy woman approached me, holding a bundle under my chin. Luckily, I'd read about this tactic (I guess you're supposed to think it's a baby, and take it). I grabbed my fanny pack and backed away, saying "No. No. No." She moved away from me.

 

For my upcoming Med trip, I have a PacSafe cross-body bag (slash-proof, snatch-proof). It's not pretty, but it'll do the trick.

[mikeerdas]

Absolutely adored Rome and had no trouble. Turns out I was worried for absolutely nothing. No mobs of gypsy children, etc. To protect myself, I did three simple things:

 

1) Carried my passport, credit cards, and cash in a neck pouch underneath my shirt

 

2) Wore my daypack on my chest rather than on my back.

 

3) Never let my stuff out of contact with my body, e.g. if I had to stand at a ticket machine, I put my main luggage between my legs and wrapped the straps around them.

 

Got paranoid reading stories of people purchasing PacSafes, etc, but now I feel plain old silly (and I'm glad I didn't waste $100 on one). The daypack on one's chest ensures no one's going to slash it with a razor without your knowing about it. Looks pretty odd, but I saw others doing it as well. And it gave me a great deal of confidence. An unexpected benefit was that I had easy access to the outside pouch (where I kept my camera, cash and coins I needed for the day, etc).

 

I kept my front and back pockets empty at all times.

 

I did *see* one strange incident, but was not affected by it. At Roma Termini, I spent quite a while getting a ticket--was slow and deliberate to be sure I did things right. In the course of about 15-20 mins, some guy circled the row of ticket machines I was at three times--he was ostensibly checking the ticket print-out compartments of each machine for unused tickets. Probably *not* coincidentally, the compartments were at about waist's height or just below. If he wasn't a pickpocketer, he should have been--because the opportunity would have been too perfect--someone's eyes and attention focused on the touch screen above and his hands to the left or right of a person's pockets...

 

So... be vigilant at Roma Termini ticket machines.

[yearbook]

Yes, it is that bad. My husband and I wore money pouches under our shirts. They were wonderful and we did not get robbed. That said, in Venice my husband was leaning against a wall, watching me take photographs when he became aware that I was being watched. My husband called me just as the man watching me was beginning to close in on me. The guy almost literally "disappeared" so fast that my husband could not point him out to me. A similar thing happened in Florence. My husband said that he figured these guys had decided to take my SLR since they saw no purse. In Paris people tried to approach us with scams we had previously read about ("I found this ring..Is it yours?" But I had read about them and we veered off, startling the scammers!

[hat776]

Isn't it sad that we are all so terrified of pick pockets, scammers etc that we automatically recoil if someone approaches us or acts friendly.

Sign of the times I suppose.

[boone2]

Got paranoid reading stories of people purchasing PacSafes, etc, but now I feel plain old silly (and I'm glad I didn't waste $100 on one). The daypack on one's chest ensures no one's going to slash it with a razor without your knowing about it. Looks pretty odd, but I saw others doing it as well. And it gave me a great deal of confidence. An unexpected benefit was that I had easy access to the outside pouch (where I kept my camera, cash and coins I needed for the day, etc).

Just got back after nearly 3 weeks in Europe and we too got paranoid after reading these boards despite having travelled extensively in Europe for over 30 years. We succumbed and bought a pacsafe wallet and bag and after the first day in Barcelona the bag stayed in my case. It just wasn't big enough and we realised that as long as we exercised our usual vigilance we would be OK and we were. DH had a pacsafe wallet with chain, however the chain wasn't springloaded and kept becoming undone so he took the chain off and just used the wallet. I carried my large leather zippered bag across my chest and we did what we always do and left most valuables in the safe. We had a great time but remained aware of our surroundings and the people around us at all times. PS the only place we have ever remotely felt threatened was at JFK

Terry

[mikeerdas]

Yes, it is that bad. My husband and I wore money pouches under our shirts. They were wonderful and we did not get robbed. That said, in Venice my husband was leaning against a wall, watching me take photographs when he became aware that I was being watched. My husband called me just as the man watching me was beginning to close in on me. The guy almost literally "disappeared" so fast that my husband could not point him out to me. A similar thing happened in Florence. My husband said that he figured these guys had decided to take my SLR since they saw no purse. In Paris people tried to approach us with scams we had previously read about ("I found this ring..Is it yours?" But I had read about them and we veered off, startling the scammers!

 

Sorry you had trouble. I use a point and shoot, not something conspicuous like an SLR with a large lens. My photos are backed-up every evening, so if the camera got broken or lost, no worries. My wife also carries a point and shoot, so that's a back-up camera. No personal offense intended to you, but an expensive SLR, to me, says "rob me, I'm a rich tourist." Or at least is a highly visible tourist identifier.

 

In Paris, a friend told me about the ring guys. I saw the scam being perpetrated about 4 times while walking between the Louvre and the Orsay. Looked almost comical to me. I never get close to these guys and walk fast. Always try to look ahead of me and take in my surroundings.

 

My friend in Paris said he wasn't sure what the aim was of the ring guys. Since they appear to work alone, is it a pretense for pickpocketing? Are they expecting to get a reward? Would love to hear from someone who got taken and what the outcome was.

[lynfils]

I had a friend who went on a two week trip to Italy. He had a cheap wallet in his back pocket with only a piece of paper that contained two words (and you can figure out what they were). He wanted someone to pick his pocket and was upset when no one did.

we just returned from a wonderful experience with celebrity equinox to italy, turkey, israel, egypt and GREECE...we loved it all but one friend did the same "decoy wallet"...he too was not "picked"!! we however were...but in a different way....in mykanos the recommended shopping store for jewelry is giorgios...we looked ...we talked....all in dollars...such nice people ...we bought...and then we checked our credit card at home.....they had talked dollars but charged in euros...and the difference was $1000...we have traveled to europe 12-13 times and never had this happen...guess the global economy is tough for pick pockets and sales people too.....BEWARE

[larie]

We just returned from a 3 week visit. I did alot of research and it all paid off. I felt safe the whole time and we did not encounter any problems. I carried a Pacsafe sling series 200 purse that has wires inside and can't be cut. There are several zippers and latches for protection. There is a hook that can be secured to chairs. I didn't even feel the bag when I was carrying it. Best bag I ever travelled with, wish I would have known about it years ago. My husband had a neck pounch from Pacsafe that can't be cut. He ended up not wearing it much as we felt very secure with my bag for one day outings. We also had camera straps from Pacsafe that can't be cut. All worth the costs.

 

We met a couple who had all their items stolen in Rome. Passports, credit cards, confirmations etc. It put a real damper on their trip. For less than the $100 I spent on the above mentioned items and common sense, we had a worry free trip. Don't cut costs here.

[hat776]

I haven't had time to go to the links in the post but the list of 'infamous' cities surprises me.

Rome has a huge problem with gypsies but recently there has been quite a clean up operation , stiffer penalties, more police on the road and deportation for offenders.

I would never have imagined Florence being in the top 10.

However, even by reading CC and Trip Advisor, the biggest pick pocket city in Italy is Naples and it isn't even on the list.

In Barcelona, pick pocketing is carried on to the extreme.

Once we were checking in in a hotel near the Ramblas. There was a large group also checking in. As you can imagine there were loads of luggages behind them. When some folk had checked in and went to get their luggage ........ it was gone. The Receptionist calmly said "Oh - this often happens. The thief walks along looking for coaches depositing large groups in a hotel. He then strolls in, goes to the bar and has a drink then walks out taking 2 cases with him."

However dangerous your home town is, I agree that while you're on vacation you should take precautions that you don't normally take at home. Remember what would be an inconvenience at home is a major problem when abroad.

This post has so much to read - I'm saving it for this afternoon. It's 6.30am on Sunday here.

[cruisemom42]

We just returned from a 3 week visit. I did alot of research and it all paid off. I felt safe the whole time and we did not encounter any problems. I carried a Pacsafe sling series 200 purse that has wires inside and can't be cut. There are several zippers and latches for protection. There is a hook that can be secured to chairs. I didn't even feel the bag when I was carrying it. Best bag I ever travelled with, wish I would have known about it years ago. My husband had a neck pounch from Pacsafe that can't be cut. He ended up not wearing it much as we felt very secure with my bag for one day outings. We also had camera straps from Pacsafe that can't be cut. All worth the costs.

 

We met a couple who had all their items stolen in Rome. Passports, credit cards, confirmations etc. It put a real damper on their trip. For less than the $100 I spent on the above mentioned items and common sense, we had a worry free trip. Don't cut costs here.

 

Good precautions. IMO, it's not even necessary to spend that much. Rick Steves' moneybelt can be purchased for about $13 and a bra stash for even less than that. A very small price indeed for peace of mind.

[CintiPam]

Good precautions. IMO, it's not even necessary to spend that much. Rick Steves' moneybelt can be purchased for about $13 and a bra stash for even less than that. A very small price indeed for peace of mind.

 

So right, Cynthia. Those are my two products: I used my Rick Steves' moneybelt on all my European trips in the past few years. However, this year, after reading these boards and because I was traveling in June (a sweatier tummy month for me then our usual fall vacations), I purchased a bra stash at my local AAA office in May for $5 when I went there to pick up my International Drivers' Permit ($15).

 

I absolutely loved the bra stash and highly recommend this comfortable and lightweight item. I put in my ATM card and some cash in it and never had a pickpocket worry.

[banning high]

Everyone has given you very good advice so I will add my thoughts and one experience. I am a college professor and have had many European as students. I can tell the first day of class they are not Americans just as they can tell we are not Europeans. We Americans have a "look" unique to us. That said- we are always a target. I tell myself this-"how bad will I feel if it gets stolen." I wear those belts and secret pouches, carry one credit card and hide another. I found some great cargo pants at Coldwater Creek with several zippers and flaps for stashing stuff. I also carried a zippered bag for my nonsense stuff. One time while boarding a train in Paris some young innocent looking girls attempted to open by back pack (loaded with tourist junk) and nearly got herself killed when her hand got caught in my straps as the door shut. Thieves are everywhere there are tourists and everyone has a story. Just read what others suggest and take their very good advice and enjoy your trip!

[SusaninCali]

Just back. We had a PacSafe bag, new type of money belt, bra stash, etc.

 

Within 5 minutes of being at the Placa de Catalunya I had a gypsy woman shoving carnations in my face. I yelled at her and walked away. A few minutes later buying tickets for the HOHO bus, hubby has a woman behind him who keeps bumping him and in general, violating his space. He tells her to back off. I look at her and she's got this weird look on her face - as if maybe she knows we're on to her.

 

BTW, met someone on the cruise that said they caught a young woman with her hands in his pocket on his wallet at Las Ramblas. He grabbed her and pushed her up against a wall, yelling angrily, and scared her but good apparently. His wallet dropped to the ground and his wife picked it up as she ran away.

 

In Rome, we were on a bus where hubby and I were separated and I was behind him. We're standing and it isn't obvious we're together. Two women are sitting near him. All of a sudden, for no apparent reason, one woman's purse plops to his feet. He does nothing. She waits and waits and waits, thinking he's going to pick it up. He doesn't. So, she sheepishly gets it herself and I then watch the non-verbal language between these two women. A little while later, I watch as the purse-dropper is deliberately eyeing him. Studying his pockets, waistline, looking him over but good, up and down and all around, finally concluding that nothing can be lifted off of him.

[jocap]

Sorry you had trouble. I use a point and shoot, not something conspicuous like an SLR with a large lens. My photos are backed-up every evening, so if the camera got broken or lost, no worries. My wife also carries a point and shoot, so that's a back-up camera. No personal offense intended to you, but an expensive SLR, to me, says "rob me, I'm a rich tourist." Or at least is a highly visible tourist identifier.

 

In Paris, a friend told me about the ring guys. I saw the scam being perpetrated about 4 times while walking between the Louvre and the Orsay. Looked almost comical to me. I never get close to these guys and walk fast. Always try to look ahead of me and take in my surroundings.

 

My friend in Paris said he wasn't sure what the aim was of the ring guys. Since they appear to work alone, is it a pretense for pickpocketing? Are they expecting to get a reward? Would love to hear from someone who got taken and what the outcome was.

From what I've read, the idea is to pass the ring off as being hallmarked, and the thief has no use for it, so he'll sell you it for 10euros- or how much you offer- and of course, it's a woolworth's best brass ring or a washer.- jocap.

[Pinkbikini]

My girlfriends and I travelled 3 months in Europe and never experienced any theft in 99. We were frequently carrying large backpacks and obviously tourists! We were vigilant and careful but still, no incidences.

 

Also, during that trip I left my small purse/backpack in two different public areas. Hey, we were travelling A LOT and got tired/less vigilant sometimes. One time, in a Belgian town, I went back and retrieved my purse untouched from a table where I'd left it. The second time, in Greece, my backpack with cameras, passports and wallets was completely secure under a table in a busy restaurant. I may have been born under a lucky star but I felt VERY safe when those things happened. I did try to be vigilant on buses, trains and other busy line type areas as well. But again, we went to many big events and were never taken advantage of.

 

Don't carry anything you can't afford to lose- money, jewelry, expensive camera. Obviously you do your best to keep track of your stuff but whether it's due to your own negligence (as in my 2 examples above) or someone else's maleficence- things happen.

 

Above all, enjoy yourself and the beauty of all that Europe has to offer. DH and I can't wait to go back!!!

 

And to all those who have been robbed- I feel for you- and thank you for sharing your experiences/stories on here to keep everyone aware and careful during excursions!

[samavarcruiser]

How to Protect Yourself From Pickpockets in Europe

 

http://www.ehow.com/how_7736_protect-yourself-pickpockets.html

[ny4cruise]

Everyone posting in this thread has a point; however street crime is everywhere these days, especially in big cities. All these suggestions made by other posters (try not to carry things you can't afford to loose, use a money belt, a bra stash etc) are very useful, but nothing can be more useful, either when travelling or in the city we live in, than common sense. Barcelona is a big and beautiful city. Relax, keep your eyes open and enjoy travelling.