Las Ramblas, Spain
When you're in a crowd at one of the to-go-to tourist attractions, it's easy to forget where you are —which unfortunately can make you an easy mark for a pickpocket.
The website money.co.uk analyzed TripAdvisor reviews for popular tourist attractions and public transportation stations worldwide to see which places were most prone to pickpocketing.
Here's what they found:
The Places You're Most Likely to be Pickpocketed
Rank Attraction City Country Reviews that mention pickpockets
1 Las Ramblas Barcelona Spain 3,271
2 Eiffel Tower Paris France 2,569
3 Trevi Fountain Rome Italy 2,206
4 Charles Bridge Prague Czech Republic 1,081
5 Sacré-Cœur Paris France 914
6 Colosseum Rome Italy 666
How Can You Avoid Being Pickpocketed?
Philip Ballard, CCO at HotelPlanner, and former Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection officer for the US Navy, recommends that travelers should always keep their guard up. "Often, criminals take advantage of a situation by disarming you with a smile and friendly banter, such as asking for directions, " says Ballard. "That should be a warning. Don't be duped. Just walk away."
Also, pickpockets often work in pairs or groups. I discovered this when I was pickpocketed at the Greek God display in Las Vegas. My wallet was taken and deposited into a garbage can when someone seemingly pushed me innocuously.
And travelers should be cautious about how they carry their items of importance. Women, for example, should always have their purse over their head with the strap across their chest, and the bag should hang securely on the side of your waist with your arm protecting it, says Ballard." "Prevention often deters pickpocketers."
Remember, pickpocket love crowded places (like on public transportation or at popular attractions). My brother-in-law was pickpocketed on a bus in Rome when a slurpy was dumped on his head, and the thieves stole his backpack when it was cut off his back with a razor-like instrument. It happened so fast that he couldn't respond.
And if You Do Get Pickpocketed...
Ballard recommends carrying a credit card and money in a hidden location if you get pickpocketed despite your precautions. Then, if your items get stolen, you can function. Also, keep your passport online to access it in case you need to talk to the consulate. In addition, you can buy money belts that look like regular belts (not money belts) with a secret area to store money.
And keep the credit card company's phone number in a separate area and get in touch with them as soon as possible so they can stop purchases. They may even be able to provide a rush credit card for you.
If you have travel insurance, check if the plan covers pickpocketing. Some, like Faye's insurance, will cover $50 each if your credit card, passport, or ID is stolen during your trip. Some credit cards might also cover this. In addition, your travel insurance might help you replace essential IDs (like a passport) when you get home.
But, most importantly, be prepared if something happens, so it does not ruin your trip.
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