Traveling in the US and Europe I always felt that I was “aware” of my surroundings and nearby people. I have thwarted pickpockets several times and warned others, always keeping a keen eye out for issues with hands on valuables. However, this summer a pickpocket duo (or maybe a team) got me for 30 Euros in Barcelona. Unfortunately, this is all too common in Barcelona and even natives have reported being the target of pickpockets.
Not a good way to end a fun day in Barcelona!
I was entering a metro train with my daughter when a guy decided to block my way. It was unusual because most people will move to allow you to pass. Then he bumped into me and while not aggressive was rude. I quickly reached down but my wallet was already out of my front pocket. I kept the one guy on the train and began to ask for a policeman. My wallet was pointed out to me on the train platform area. When I retrieved the wallet all of them disappeared. While I lost 30 euros, I still had my drivers license, credit cards, and US currency, which they didn’t take. This really stung as I thought I was a bit invincible to pickpockets. I now take better care of my valuables and this fall, when in Paris, kept my wallet in the hotel safe, credit cards and larger cash in a secret wallet inside my shirt, and only kept small bills zippered in a quickly accessible pocket.
Top Cities for Pickpockets
Click the link above to review the 10 most popular destinations to be pickpocketed.
As you can see Barcelona is #1 for pickpockets. While my daughter and I were in Barcelona a group of young ladies were sitting at an outdoor table. We learned that one of the ladies decided to go to the restroom and asked her friend to watch her purse. It was located on the table directly in front of her friend. Unfortunately, a motor scooter rider (very popular in Barcelona) whizzed by and snatched the purse right off the table and was gone in a flash. I am sure the friend felt terrible and the affected young lady was devastated. Here are some tips to keep safe not only in Barcelona but other locations. https://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-tourist/115-safety-barcelona-top-tips-pickpockets
My wife and I were in Florence Italy a while ago on a guided tour, when the tour guide started to say something to a young man in the crowd. I asked her what she had said and she replied that he was a known pick pocket. She had told him not to pick on her group and he had simply replied that he had to make a living too. Such is the brazenness of pickpockets.
During a summer visit to Paris, we were warned about pickpockets but especially groups of Eastern European men and boys. Sure enough, we saw gangs of boys milling through crowds bumping and jostling people. I scanned the boys and their hands were quickly brushing back pockets looking for cell phones or wallets to quickly lift. Quick as a flash they jumped off the train and heading back up the metro station as soon as the train was ready for departure. Anyone missing items now were at least one metro stop away, if not more. https://www.thelocal.fr/20190404/hold-on-to-your-handbags-pickpockets
On another Paris metro I saw a group of adult men coordinating their attacks via cell phones. If you see one guy looking at you or wife speaking on the phone, look around. Likely there may be two to three others. These guys were targeting to young ladies with backpacks. It is clear they are pickpockets when they don’t actually get on the train but many times target around the platforms and dash back up the entrances when the train is ready to depart. Keep your situational awareness about you.
Clothing and Secret Stashes
One of the things I always try to do when on vacation is to dress non-descript. I don’t wear my overtly American labeled clothing. No Ralph Loren polo’s galloping on shirts, no “I love Clemson” gear, and no Hawaiian or wide vacation shirts/slacks. Shorts are not as common in Europe so maybe limit use or leave at home. Many major churches and upscale locations also restrict overly exposed clothing. So likely, no swim wear, shorts, halter/crop style tops for the ladies. Given I am usually traveling for business, I simply wear typical business casual. I do carry a camera so I will be seen as a tourist, but really don’t need to advertise even more with atypical/US branded clothing.
As stated previously, I now have a hidden zippered wallet that I wear under my shirts. However, I would like to find some clothing that looks more like business casual but with more safety features built in. There are some specific anti-pickpocket websites and Amazon that carry a wider array of clothing and wallets that allow for more security and still don’t look too much like paramilitary pants. You can get these online too.
I know Rick Steves likes to use a money belt that fits down into the front of his pants. I think special socks, a money belt, a chest wallet or other devices are great to thwart they typical grab and go thief. You just need to know what device you like best. My wife purchased me the chest wallet for our last trip to Paris and it worked fine.
Cameras and Purses
While I take a Canon SLR with me when I travel, I do try to keep it in a non-descript case when ever I am not actively using it. The case is always worn across my body facing forward with zippers closed as much as possible. My wife does similarly with her purse keeping it zipped as much as possible. I don’t find it too hard to open the case to grab a quick shot and then replace it when finished. Flashy gear causes attention. Having purses and Camera bags across your body also helps keep people from snatching off your shoulder whether they are running or on a bike/motorcycle.
Backpacks
I really haven’t seen a great way to use a backpack safely without carrying it backwards on your front. I try to leave as much stuff as possible in a secure location so when exploring and sightseeing I am carrying a minimum amount of excess gear. I have seen some anti-theft backpacks but haven’t experienced them firsthand to know how they work or don’t work. Love to get feedback from users on if they like them and which ones seem to work best. Click the link for top rated ones. https://travelgearzone.com/best-anti-theft-backpacks/
Here is a link to Kopak’s version of Anti-Theft water resistant backpack with USB charger.
Fanny packs
These have kind of gone out of vogue but my Aunt used one in Athens, and during a particularly crowded train ride found she was missing $50, which is not a lot, but annoying. Other stories of someone in the back unclasping and another grabbing from the front make me less enthusiastic about these. But if you are looking for one, then check this fanny packs out.
Other Security Measures
In addition to some of the previously listed security procedures, I also like to make photocopies of credit cards, passport, and drivers license in case they are stolen. Many of these card backs have critical numbers you need to call in case they are stolen.
One particular idea that I liked is to add a thick rubber band around any wallet or items you have in your front pockets. Clearly the front pocket is better than rear pockets but, as I learned in Barcelona, they like to reach into them as well. The rubber band can add an extra layer of resistance or “tug” if someone is reaching into your pocket potentially allowing you to stop a would-be thief.
Buddy System
One of the best ways to keep safe is to use a buddy system whenever possible. Look out for yourself and your friend(s) and they do the same for you. Often their perspective is slightly different and that can make all the difference between arriving with all your belongings or having an unpleasant trip.
The Sane Adventurer 
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