Safe Traveling

vablaisep
Jun 16
2 min read

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You're exploring the streets of a historic European city, savoring the sights when you reach for your phone to take a picture—only to realize it’s missing. Unbeknownst to you, while admiring the attractions, a pickpocket deftly slipped your phone from your pocket. This unfortunate scenario is a reality for many travelers who might be unaware of the prevalent dangers of pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas.

To help travelers avoid such misfortune, a new study has highlighted Europe’s most notorious holiday destinations for pickpocketing. UK travel insurance company Quotezone released a list identifying where travelers are most susceptible to pickpocketing in the ten most-visited countries, using data from the European Pickpocketing Index. This index evaluates the frequency of pickpocketing mentions in online reviews of each country’s top five attractions.

Italy emerged as the top country for pickpocketing incidents, with Rome’s Trevi Fountain being the worst offender. As of April 2024, there were 478 mentions of pickpocketing for every one million British visitors to Italy. France followed closely, with the Eiffel Tower being the hotspot, accounting for 251 pickpocketing complaints per one million visitors.

Spain and Germany were next, each with 111 complaints per one million visitors. In Spain, the iconic Las Ramblas street was the primary location, while in Germany, the Brandenburg Gate was the main site for pickpocketing incidents. The Netherlands took fifth place, with Amsterdam’s bustling tourist areas being particularly prone to such crimes.

Although it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of pickpocketing, there are measures travelers can take to safeguard their belongings. Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone, recommends leaving valuable items like jewelry in a hotel safe whenever possible. Additionally, using a money belt or a secure crossbody bag can significantly reduce the risk of theft. By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, travelers can better enjoy their journeys without falling victim to pickpockets.