Europe is home to some of the most iconic tourist hotspots in the world. Cities such as London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona or Amsterdam are visited by millions every year.
Statistics show that these destinations have few violent crimes. However, they do have a hand in stealing phones, stealing wallets and much more pickpocketing especially near tourist sites.
Data collected by insurance company Quotezone.nl have revealed the towns and cities where more holidaymakers have fallen victim to pickpocketing.
Their research ranked the most visited European destinations based on the number of pickpocketing mentions in reviews of ‘each country’s top five tourist attractions’.
The results are somehow shocking. Although many tourists will tell you that Barcelona and Paris are probably the cities with the highest number of pickpockets, it turns out that the city where the most travelers have lost their belongings is actually the city where the most travelers have lost their belongings. Italy.
The impressive Colosseum, the beautiful Trevi Fountain and the historic Pantheon in Rome, as well as the Duomo di Milano in Milan and the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence, are the most frequently targeted by thieves in Europe.
Paris came second and Barcelona third. Hard to hear, but we all saw that coming.
“Iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome are particularly popular with pickpockets, as they can move more inconspicuously among larger crowds,” says Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk.
In the eyes of thieves, tourists are considered easy prey because most of them are unfamiliar with the local streets, carry large amounts of cash, cameras and other electronic devices, and do not pay much attention while enjoying themselves.
According to Quotezone.co.uk, these are the cities and towns with the highest levels of pickpocketing across Europe as of April 2024.
Tips to avoid pickpockets in Europe
Armed robberies in European cities are very rare, but make no mistake: pickpockets are waiting for you to make the slightest mistake and run away with your money and belongings. Follow these steps for a safer trip and to avoid any inconveniences.
- Please be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at popular tourist sites or busy places.
- Don’t flash your money. Don’t make yourself a target.
- Leave your jewelry and travel documents safely in your accommodation.
- Never leave phones, wallets or other personal items unattended.
- Don’t walk around with all your money and your debit and credit cards. Leave most of them in your hotel room.
- Check with your insurance company to see what is and is not covered in the event of theft.
