Europe's top pickpocketing hotspots (and how to stay safe) - While a vacation is often seen as a time to relax, some destinations in Europe can offer the opposite experience. For instance, research by Quotezone, a travel insurance company, has shown that Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands are the top five most popular European countries where people are most likely to be pickpocketed.


But what can you do to protect yourself and your valuables? And which tourist spots in particular are hotbeds for pickpocketing? This gallery contains all you need to know. Click to find out more.

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Pickpocketing tricks -

If you find yourself in a busy tourist hot spot, be wary of pickpocketing techniques like the jostling trick, where one or more thieves sandwich a victim in a crowd.

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Trevi Fountain - Rome, Italy -

The Trevi Fountain attracts 10.5 million people each year, which works out to around 1,200 people per hour, making it a popular spot for pickpockets.

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Colosseum - Rome, Italy -

The Colosseum is one of Europe's heavily pickpocketed hot spots, attracting over four million people per year.

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Pantheon - Rome, Italy -

The Pantheon is another popular destination in Rome where you'll experience a high likelihood of being pickpocketed.

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Duomo di Milano - Milan, Italy -

Outside of Rome, the Duomo di Milano in Milan is often reported as having the highest volume of stolen personal items, according to online travel reviews.

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Uffizi Gallery - Florence, Italy -

Be careful when perusing the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, as this is a popular pickpocketing spot.

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Eiffel Tower - Paris, France -

According to research, Paris has the second-highest number of pickpocketing mentions in Europe. The Eiffel Tower is the most risky attraction for tourist theft.

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Notre-Dame Cathedral - Paris, France -

The Notre-Dame Cathedral is an attraction where you'll need to be extra vigilant, as pickpockets frequently target the area.

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Louvre Museum - Paris, France -

Pickpocketing gangs often target the Louvre Museum in Paris. Be wary when waiting in line or while admiring paintings.

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Arc de Triomphe - Paris, France -

The Arc de Triomphe is another Parisian attraction with a high number of pickpockets around it. Take care of your belongings near this area.

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Musée d'Orsay - Paris, France -

The Musée d'Orsay is a popular tourist attraction that draws large crowds, making it a target for pickpockets.

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Las Ramblas - Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona is notorious for pickpocketing, and Las Ramblas is infamous for its thefts, which often happen when victims are watching the street performers.

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Plaza Mayor - Madrid, Spain -

If you're visiting Madrid, be wary when visiting the Plaza Mayor, as thieves often target this famous public square.

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Alhambra - Grenada, Spain -

Grenada's Alhambra is a must-visit. However, pickpocketing is common, so keep your personal belongings safe.

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Brandenburg Gate - Berlin, Germany -

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate is considered the worst pickpocketing spot in Germany.

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Reichstag Building - Berlin, Germany -

Thieves often target tourists visiting the Reichstag Building, so keep your valuables safe when waiting in line or moving through crowds.

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East Side Gallery - Berlin, Germany -

The East Side Gallery is the world's longest open-air gallery and one of Berlin's worst pickpocketing spots. Stay vigilant in this area to avoid falling victim to theft. 

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Anne Frank House - Amsterdam, Netherlands -

Anne Frank House is a popular tourist spot in Amsterdam where visitors should stay vigilant of pickpockets. The Red Light District is also an area to be cautious of.

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Alfama - Lisbon, Portugal -

The winding, narrow streets of Alfama, Lisbon's old town, attract pickpockets. Keep an eye on your belongings and stay alert when navigating busy areas.

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Sultanahmet - Istanbul, Turkey -

Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood is home to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The high volume of tourists makes the area prone to pickpockets.

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Acropolis - Athens, Greece -

The Acropolis of Athens, with its ancient ruins and stunning views, is a must-visit destination. However, its popularity with tourists makes it a target for thieves, so keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

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Oxford Street - London, England -

Oxford Street, a popular shopping destination in Central London, is often targeted by thieves who ride mopeds and snatch phones from distracted tourists' hands.

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Take precautions before you travel -

Ensure you have copies of your travel itinerary, passport, visa, bank information, and vaccination documents in case the originals are stolen. Consider taking out an insurance policy to protect against the theft of your phone or other valuables.

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Stash your cash -

Carry your money in multiple safe places, such as a money belt or a bra wallet.

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Wear pickpocket-proof clothing -

Pants or jackets with zipped pockets make access difficult for thieves.

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Wear your bag on your front -

Wearing your bag or backpack on your front allows you to keep a close eye on your belongings.

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Keep priority items to a minimum -

When out and about, only carry your most important items, like your phone and wallet.

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Be careful around pickpocket warning signs -

If you see a sign warning about pickpockets in the area, don't touch your pockets or bag to check on your valuables. This will show watchful thieves where to target.

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Anchor your purse or backpack -

Loop a strap through the leg chair, keep your purse on your lap, or place it between you and your travel companion. Don't hang it on the back of the chair, as thieves can swipe it as they walk past.

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Keep cash where no one would expect to find it -

Keep cash in an almost empty pill jar or hair roller. If someone goes through your purse or backpack, they are unlikely to search these items for money.

Sources: (Euronews) (Quotezone) (Solo Traveler)

See also: Which celebrities have been arrested the most times?

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