People in most cities in the world have experienced the minor crime of pickpocketing, but when it comes to Europe, some countries have the worst statistics in Europe. While surrounded by hundreds of people in the busy travel season, tourists often have their wallets or cameras lifted. As a general rule, travelers should always ensure their valuables are out of reach of petty criminals. Meanwhile, research carried out by QuoteZone, a UK travel insurance company has revealed the worst European locations for pickpocketing ahead of summer vacations.
Worst pickpocketing locations in Europe
It should be noted that Italy came top in the list for the highest proportion of any country across Europe, followed by France, Spain and Germany. Make sure you are extra vigilant when visiting the following locations:
Pickpocketing in Italy
Meanwhile, Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain came top of the list of Italy’s pickpocketing ranking. Reportedly, this 18th-century attraction averages a stunning 1,000 visitors per hour. Moreover, travelers throw an estimated €1,000,000 in cash into the fountain for luck. However, while doing so, people should always be vigilant for potential pickpockets.
Other areas of Rome, including the Pantheon and Colosseum were found to be particular hotspots for pickpocketing. Meanwhile, other areas of Italy, including the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence, and the Duomo di Milano in Milan had a high volume of personal items stolen by pickpockets on online travel reviews.
Paris reveals worst place for pickpocketing in France
Meanwhile, other locations travelers need to be extra vigilant in Paris are the Louvre Museums, Arc de Triomphe, the Musée d’Orsay and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. With the country’s capital hosting the 2024 Olympics, visitors should be extra vigilant with their personal belongings in the huge crowds throughout the city.
Pickpocketing in Spain
Other hugely popular tourist locations in Spain that also pose a threat are the Plaza Mayor and Prado National Museum in Madrid. Meanwhile, the hugely popular Alhambra Palace in Granada is another place to take care of your belongings.
Pickpocket hotspots in Germany
Amsterdam and its Red Light District
Moreover, with 100 mentions of thefts per million visitors, all locations where tourists should be vigilant in the Netherlands are all in Amsterdam. Other hugely popular locations in the city, including Vondelpark, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House, known for pickpocketing.
Recommendations for tourists
It is essential always to remain vigilant, leave valuables, like expensive jewelry, in a safe in the hotel and always travel with a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets or even a money belt.
“Try never to leave personal belongings unattended because travel insurance companies require travelers to take ‘reasonable care’ and could reject insurance claims for theft if items have been left alone,” Wilson added. “It is also important to remember to get a police report for the loss or theft of an item if you’ve been pickpocketed, as this will support the insurance claim.”
Have fun exploring Europe this summer, but ensure you take particular care of your belongings in these top locations.
[…] by Anne Sewell Share this article FacebookXRedditPinterestEmail Next article Take Care! Europe’s Worst Pickpocketing Tourist Locations Revealed City […]