How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling
Just because something’s never happened to you doesn’t mean it never will.
Travel host extraordinaire Rick Steves revealed in a blog post this week that — despite an estimated 4,000 days of travel under his belt and despite never having been pickpocketed before — he was the victim of a pickpocketing scam in Paris this summer.
“It was my own fault,” Steves wrote. “I wasn’t wearing my money belt — a small pouch worn at the waist under your clothes. I lost my driver’s license, credit cards, and some cash.” Steves has previously spoken about his affinity for the (less-than-sexy but still practical) fashion item.
The Risks in Tourist Areas
Steves did not detail more about his experience with a pickpocket, but it’s likely that it happened on one of Paris’s metro lines. Thieves are known to target tourists there, especially on the Line 1 that runs along the city’s most famous sites.
“My experience just goes to show that, sooner or later, if you’re not on guard, wearing a money belt — or at least keeping everything properly zipped and buttoned — you’ll likely be a victim,” Steves wrote.
Actions to Take When You Lose Your Wallet
After Steves realized his wallet was gone, he returned to his hotel and canceled all of his credit cards.
Pickpocketing in Paris
In Steves’ defense, pickpocketing in Paris is notably amongst the worst in the world. Last year, the city deployed an additional 5,000 police officers to protect tourists against “bag snatchers or street sellers, card sharks or people with fake petitions.”
Tips to Keep Your Belongings Safe
If you’re paranoid about the safety of your wallet, consider these tips for pick-proofing your pockets:
- Think ahead and plan your packing wisely. The best way to avoid being pickpocketed is to make your bag harder to access than the next person’s.
- Leave luxury items at home to reduce the appeal for thieves.
- Make copies or scans of important documents and ensure they are backed up digitally for easy access while abroad.
- Make sure all your devices are password-protected.
What to Do If You Are a Victim
If you’ve been the victim of a pickpocket, report the crime to the police as if it was a robbery. Take immediate action to cancel all credit cards and suspend your mobile service if your phone was stolen.