Stay safe: understanding the rise of pickpocketing in Europe’s top tourist destinations

From Madrid to Paris, Rome and Venice, tourists are increasingly being targeted by gangs of pickpockets that can ruin a holiday in these historic European cities.

For South Africans who feel they're under siege by criminals, spare a thought for visitors to some of the capitals of the world, where pickpocketing has become an endemic problem that authorities are struggling to curb.

Loud yells of "pickpocket, pickpocket!" ring out in the streets and at train stations as wised-up citizens warn others of the presence of known criminals moving among them, whether it is in Spain's Barcelona, Rome in Italy or the canals of Venice.

Also, there's no way of knowing who is a petty criminal and who is not.

They mingle in the crowd, taking advantage of bottlenecks on stairways, narrow alleys or train doors where being pushed and shoved provides a perfect disguise for their nefarious activities.

But they don't always get away with it.

Caught red-handed

In a recent viral video, an American tourist in Venice was not about to be taken for a ride by a group of teenage suspects.

She grabbed the ponytail of the one suspect, refusing to let go because her passport and purse had been taken from her bag in broad daylight.

Some of the culprits are young teenagers, and after watching just a few videos posted by a YouTuber called Guardian of Rome, you quickly get to recognise their faces as they jump on or off trains in twos or threes, always just as the doors are opening or closing.

It is this crushing throng of people that gives them the cover to act quickly and then to disappear into the crowd.

In most cases, you can see the pickpocket handing the stolen item to an accomplice, further complicating matters when a citizen actually manages to grab hold of a thief.

Interestingly, whenever the videographer who is trailing them yells out "pickpocket!", the suspects immediately pull scarves or hoodies over their faces and slink off as quickly as they can.

Some retaliate, thrusting umbrellas into the faces of their accusers. Or even worse.

Guardian of Rome posted a video of his bruised and stitched-up face after he was attacked by a late-night petty thief.

Crowded and narrow streets, bustling markets and train platforms are the favoured hotspots for petty thieves.

Any situations where bumping, pushing and shoving are required have become the prime spots to target unsuspecting tourists.

In some instances, they deliberately stall, shuffle in one direction, then shuffle in the other, creating a bottleneck at the threshold, opening up an opportunity for an accomplice to strike. Using scarves or jackets draped over their arms as a cover, they nimbly use their other hand to pickpocket someone caught in the crush. 

A glance at some videos reveals how the pushing and shoving on and off trains creates prime opportunities for nimble-fingered thieves to snatch phones from pockets or unzip handbags and backpacks for purses and mobile phones.

Other scams

Then there are the young women who use sign language indicating that they are 'deaf' and ask you to donate to a fake deaf charity, and while you are filling in your details and signature (which can also be used in identity fraud), their accomplices use the distraction to pickpocket you.

According to "Travel and Tour World", research on pickpocketing in Europe showed that Rome's famous Trevi Fountain was a prime hotspot, with 470 references being made by tourists who had fallen victim to theft.

It reported that a recent study by UK-based travel insurance company Quotezone.co.uk has revealed a surprising twist in the pickpocketing problem across Europe. Despite the high-profile issues in Spain, Italy tops the list as the worst country for pickpocketing in Europe.

Tips on how to stay safe

To avoid pickpockets in Europe, prioritise situational awareness, especially in crowded areas, wear bags (like crossbody bags) in front of your body, and keep valuables in front pockets or hidden money belts.

Never walk around with your phone in a back pocket where it can easily be stolen.

Limit what you carry by leaving expensive items and large amounts of cash at home or secured in your hotel. Stay alert to distractions and avoid leaving phones or bags unattended to minimise your risk.

• Be vigilant in crowds: Stay alert to your surroundings, especially in crowded places like train stations, subways and busy tourist attractions, as these are common pickpocketing hotspots. 
• Watch for distractions: Pickpockets often work in teams, using one person to distract you while another steals your belongings. Be aware of sudden bumping, commotions or overly helpful strangers.

Tourists are also advised to make copies of their important documents, such as passports and to keep these separate from the originals.

By being extra vigilant and taking these extra precautions, you're less likely to have your dream holiday ruined by petty criminals on the prowl.