Tips to Avoid Pickpockets During European Vacations

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 6, 2024 11:30 AMNews
Share:
Watch your pockets during traveling
Watch your pockets during traveling. Source: Image by Steve Buissinne, Pixabay

Europe is a popular destination for tourists, especially during the summer months. However, it’s important to be aware of the risk of pickpocketing in some of the biggest cities. Italy had over 478 pickpocketing incidents per million British visitors in the last year, followed by France with 251, and Spain with 111.

One American living in Europe has shared practical advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of petty crime. Pickpockets often target tourists who are unfamiliar with their surroundings. An Italian American woman, residing in Rome, offers a list of preventive measures for those planning to travel to Europe this summer.

In a TikTok video shared under the username @sammi_iam, she advises travelers to stay aware of their surroundings and keep their belongings in sight. She recommends keeping bags in front of you, with a hand on them, and ensuring they are always zipped or buttoned up.

Sammi DiBacco, a 30-year-old marketing strategist who moved to Rome in 2017, shared her personal experience. She recounted one incident during her university days when a pickpocket attempted to steal her camera. Her quick reaction and creating a scene helped deter the thief.

Sammi emphasizes the importance of vigilance, especially around major tourist sites and on public transport. She notes that pickpockets on the metro have been known to hit emergency stop buttons to create confusion and steal from disoriented passengers. Keeping a hand on your bag at all times and securing valuables inside is crucial.

She also warns against placing bags on the ground or the back of a chair. Instead, keep them on your lap. Another tip is to avoid placing phones on tables in bars or restaurants, as they can easily be swiped by passersby.

Another common scam involves people trying to give tourists "free" items like bracelets or roses, then demanding money. DiBacco advises ignoring them and moving on.

DiBacco’s TikTok video, which has garnered over 1.1 million views, also advises keeping backpacks in front of you in crowded areas and avoiding storing valuables in loose or back pockets. The video has received numerous comments from viewers sharing their own experiences and additional tips for avoiding pickpockets.

Top Articles
Top 15 top reasons why flights are delayed: from bad weather and waiting for luggage to strikes, bird collisions and crew tardiness

Top 15 top reasons why flights are delayed: from bad weather and waiting for luggage to strikes, bird collisions and crew tardiness

Jul 3, 2024 10:09 AM
Vacationing against the backdrop of the Wyoming wilderness

Wyoming's top 10 resorts: luxury, comfort, adventure

Jul 2, 2024 09:42 AM

How far in advance to book a flight: secrets to finding cheap airfare

Jul 1, 2024 10:45 AM

Top 10 resorts in Utah, USA: from chic glamping in the middle of the desert for a night under the stars to stunning ski resorts with exclusive amenities

Jun 30, 2024 08:04 AM
More News
A view of Barcelona from Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí's most famous creations

Barcelona Increases Tourist and City Taxes

Jul 4, 2024 01:30 AM
Narita Airport Terminal 2·3, Narita-shi, Japan

JAL and ANA Implement New Guidelines to Combat Passenger Misconduct

Jul 4, 2024 00:30 AM

British Airways Boeing 777 Returns to London Heathrow Mid-Flight Due to Technical Issue

Jul 4, 2024 00:00 AM

Tenerife Unveils Ambitious Plan for New Train Network to Enhance Tourism by 2045

Jul 3, 2024 23:30 PM
american airliner on airfield during day

American Airlines Announces Additional Benefits for Frequent Flyers

Jul 3, 2024 23:00 PM
Boats in the bay of Mallorca, Spain

Majorca: The Idyllic Seaside Town with Spain's Most Picturesque Beaches

Jul 3, 2024 22:30 PM
gray airplane on parking

Airports Named After Pope John Paul II

Jul 3, 2024 22:00 PM
Southwest Airlines plane wing above clouds

"Catfishing" for Seats: A New Trend on Southwest Airlines

Jul 3, 2024 21:32 PM
Burbank airport boards straight from the tarmac

Southwest Airlines Celebrates Instagram Milestone with 1 Million Rapid Rewards Points Giveaway

Jul 3, 2024 21:00 PM

Hefty Fines for Public Arguments in Croatian Holiday Spots

Jul 3, 2024 20:30 PM

British Travel Awards 2024 Voting Opens: Win a Holiday

Jul 3, 2024 20:00 PM
Iberia airplane on the tarmac

Iberia Marks 75 Years of Madrid-Paris Flights

Jul 3, 2024 19:34 PM
Night city view of Dubai with the heist buildings of the world

Tallest Hotel in the World Surpasses Eiffel Tower, Soon to be Outdone

Jul 3, 2024 19:00 PM
Bracelets are used by scammers

Beware of the 'Bracelet Scam' Targeting Tourists in Europe

Jul 3, 2024 18:30 PM
Pack your luggage due to airport rules

New Packing Trend Could Get Holidaymakers Banned from Flights

Jul 3, 2024 18:00 PM

Austrian Airlines Expands Winter Flight Offerings in Innsbruck

Jul 3, 2024 17:30 PM

Foreign Office Warns of Bear Attacks on Hikers in Italy

Jul 3, 2024 17:00 PM
Woman on the street on the heat wave

Heat Waves in Europe Pose Growing Danger for Travelers

Jul 3, 2024 16:30 PM
Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro's coastline and cityscape

SAA and Gol Linhas Aéreas Revive Codeshare Agreement, Enhancing Connectivity Between South Africa and Brazil

Jul 3, 2024 15:34 PM
City department building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, destroyed by russians

Ukraine’s War-Torn Landscapes Draw Tourists

Jul 3, 2024 14:30 PM
flydubai airplane at Dubai International Airport with city skyline in the background

flydubai Expands Network with New Routes to Iran

Jul 3, 2024 13:32 PM
stairs down the cave

Discover Derinkuyu: Turkey’s Hidden Wonder

Jul 3, 2024 12:30 PM

Austrian Airlines Launches Nonstop Flights from Vienna to Boston

Jul 3, 2024 11:35 AM

Ancient Lighthouse in Galicia: A Beacon Through the Ages

Jul 3, 2024 11:00 AM
The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain is still in construction

Sagrada Familia Set for Completion in 2026

Jul 3, 2024 10:30 AM
Sunset view of the Great Wall in China

Rare Ming Dynasty Sculpture Unearthed in the Great Wall

Jul 3, 2024 10:00 AM