10 cities where you're most likely to be pickpocketed

TripAdvisor releases a list of famous cities in which tourists are most likely to fall prey to thieves


News Desk February 05, 2016
PHOTO: REUTERS

When travelling in big cities abroad, one of the most important things to be wary of is pickpockets.

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For all those looking to travel, TripAdvisor has released a list of the 10 cities you’re most likely to fall prey to thieves.

1. Barcelona, Spain

One TripAdvisor reviewer compares pickpocketing in Barcelona to “a generally practiced and accepted sport, like soccer”. Look out for pickpockets on the busy street of Las Ramblas, a popular tourist attraction, where many cases have been recorded.

PHOTO: REUTERS

2. Rome, Italy

Rome attracts millions of tourists every year. Most pickpocketers gather around tourist attractions, so beware of them while snapping photos of the city’s beautiful historical landmarks!

PHOTO: REUTERS

3. Prague, Czech Republic

The narrow crowded streets of Prague make pickpocketers’ work easier, so be careful and take care of your belongings.

PHOTO: REUTERS

4. Madrid, Spain

The second Spanish city on the list, Madrid is a fast-moving and busy city.  The most risky places in the city are El Rastro fleamarket and the Metro, but museums are also a place to keep your guard up.

PHOTO: REUTERS

5. Paris, France

One of the most visited cities in the world, Paris not only attracts a huge number of tourists, but also pickpocketers, who operate in mostly busy areas of the city.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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6. Florence, Italy

If you stare too long at Michaelangelo’s David, chances are you might get something swiped. Not everyone is looking at the art.

PHOTO: REUTERS

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Pickpockets in this city have been known to use the ‘mustard trick’. They will drop blots of mustard on your back which is meant to look like bird droppings, and a ‘friendly’ stranger will try to assist you.

PHOTO: REUTERS

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Pickpocketers know how to spot tourists. Take extra care in the city centre.

PHOTO: REUTERS

9. Athens, Greece

Another city with a large number of outdoor monuments and attractions is Athens. There is very little security in their busiest places.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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10. Hanoi, Vietnam

The Old Quarter in Vietnam’s capital is filled with historic monuments and fascinating architecture that have become a hot spot for pickpocketers.

PHOTO: REUTERS

This article originally appeared on Independent.

COMMENTS (8)

Logan | 8 years ago | Reply Whoa! The most artful pickpockets are in the U.S. Congress. The only time you are safe is in winter when it is so cold that all politicians have their hands in their own pockets.
Crest | 8 years ago | Reply Where is Bangkok in this list? It should be on the top.
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