Pickpockets...is it really that bad?

[ddavis539]

We've had stuff stolen 4 times overseas.

 

The first time, I was staying in a youth hostel near Madrid and stupidly left my neck pouch with my luggage while I took a quick 5 minute shower. By the time I got out the pouch with all my valuables was gone and within an hour the thief had racked up over $3000 in charges at a local department store. This incident completely ruined the 2nd half of my vacation, forcing me to stick around Madrid to get my passport, travelers checks, Eurorail pass, airplane tickets and other things re-issued.

 

The 2nd time I was riding the Metro in Barcelona and someone sat down next to me and took my wallet out of an overcoat pocket that I was wearing. It was stupid to have a wallet in such an easy accessible area.

 

The 3rd time I was walking on the streets of Milan with some work colleagues and a group of gypsies approached us from the opposite direction. An old woman and several teenage boys. One of the boys bumped into our group and snagged a purse from the hands of one of my co-workers and took of running.

 

The Last time, we were on a HAL-sponsored shore excursion in San Juan Puerto Rico (a visit to the Yunque rain forest). At one point we were let off the bus to walk along a nature trail. Since it was just our group and the bus driver, we felt safe leaving our belongings behind, and I took out my camera, but left the case behind. When we got back on the bus a few minutes later my case was gone. I immediately reported it to the bus driver who claimed to know nothing about it. After the next stop, we got back on the bus and the case was magically back, but all of our extra batteries and memory cards were missing. We tried reporting it to the HAL excursion desk, but they didn't really do anything for us.

 

Most of these events were opportunities created by me through a moment of carelessness. I've since learned by be aware of my surroundings, and be be more defensive about taking care of my belongings. I think a pickpocket is more likely to try and approach a tourist who is engrossed in trying to read a map or gawking at an ancient bulding, than someone who is watching around them and making eye contact with those who approach.

 

I always carry my wallet in a deep front pocket of relatively snug pants and to have backup money and copies of important documents elsewhere in my luggage. Whenever I'm traveling with my luggage or a day pack, I make sure it's always in contact with me either sitting on my lap or leaning against my legs.

[Adventures ahead]

Quote:

"I make sure it's always in contact with me either sitting on my lap or leaning against my legs."

 

Two years ago my sister had her wallet taken from her purse in a restaurant in London on Day 1 of a European tour. The purse was on the floor 'touching' her feet.

Until I knew what happened to her, I was a 'leaning against my legs' kind of person too.

 

Lesson is, your lap is always better than the floor.

 

Sorry you've had such bad luck.

[nparmelee]

We've been lucky, we always use money belts and are careful, we have a friend that is a pick pocket magnet. It does not seem to matter what the heck she does, she always has something taken. 90% of the time it is because of a momentary lack of situational awareness on her part.

 

If you lean something against your leg, if there is a strap, at least try to wrap it around your leg. The ultimate solution is to make yourself less of an easy target than those around you.

[Red Raider Girl]

My parents were in Rome on Wednesday and said they saw no gypsies or pickpocketers at all. They did say they overheard a woman on their cruise (Princess World Cruise) say she was pickpocketed off her fanny pack. My parents were quite surprised anyone would use a fanny pack in that environment.

Parents also were warned by Princess that theft was much higher risk in Barcelona where they were yesterday. Have not heard how that has gone yet.

[CathyCruises]

Well, just to show that everyone in the world is not a thief, we were on Day 1 of a long vacation and were having dinner at the sidewalk cafe in our hotel in Istanbul. I put my purse, (which had our passports and all the money for our trip in it) on the ground next to my legs or over the back of my chair, and when we were done eating, I just walked off without it. We strolled down the boulevard and saw a sign for a casino; it said you had to have a passport to get in. I thought, no problem, I have the passports. BINGO! The light went off when I realized I had NOTHING! I ran back as fast as I good, dodging cars, flying--and got back to the restaurant and there was my purse with the maitre d', just waiting for me to realize what a fool I had been. That was years ago, and I am now Miss Paranoia about my belongings! Except that one time in Costa Rica. . . :(

 

Cathy

[Ship's Wake]

I've never been pick pocketed, but have read enough accounts by those who have to realize that petty crime like this does exist and should not be ignored.

 

I travel with a money belt and also use a secure Pacsafe daybag/backpack that cannot be slashed or have the zippers easily opened. For those who are interested, Pacsafe makes some excellent theft-resistant gear, www.pacsafe.com

 

Joe

[Bowie MeMe]

When I travel, I just don't carry a purse anymore. Money and credit card in a neck bank and I tie the neck laces to my bra strap and place the flat soft cotton part in the side of my bra. Local currency in small amounts are in my front pockets. Camera is small pocket type and goes in the pocket but also has a long strap that can go around the neck. My biggest blunders have been walking off without picking up my stuff so if it is hanging or tied onto something I have a better luck in keeping up with it. We really don't need all that stuff we keep in a purse and it weights too much to carry around. I also will change out my "good" diamonds for fake or plain gold bands just to cut down on the appearance of being a worthwhile target. Be aware of not signaling your wealth or your "hiding" places when paying for items. Thieves are very observant and you are the one that shows them where the money is!

[katz]

National Geographic sell security socks. They have pockets with zippers that hold cash, credit card, even keys. Three pairs cost $29.95

[goofysmom99]

I've been using a pacsafe crossbody bag for 15+years. Takes me forever to get into it, but it does the job. This year, because I'm traveling with a first-timer who can be somewhat oblivious, I've bought a pacsafe daypack so I have two hands available to help her. I'm making her take my pacsafe handbag and learn how to use it. She'll wear it at all times, even when eating. For the daypack, I'll put my leg through one strap and lock the other to the chairleg. We're doing a one-week land tour on our own in Italy before we take a transatlantic cruise.

 

Yes, they're that bad in Barcelona. We had a room that overlooked La Rambla and while I was getting dressed, I watched a couple of tag teams ply their trade while people stood watching the "statues." It was fascinating. They were there for about 45-60 seconds then evaporated into the throngs. If you must carry a bag or daypack, get a pacsafe and use it as designed. They work.

[Jem 12]

Hi firstly let me say the only time I have had something lifted was my handbag which I stupidly left on the floor by my feet at a shopping centre in London where I live, when I stopped for a sandwich while Christmas Shopping.

 

The one instance that I have been involved in during a cruise, was in Rome on the metro, when one of our friends had his wallet lifted on a crowded train.

 

The loss was bad enough bad but what compounded it was the loss of the credit cards that he had used for his board credit, even though the cruise line were aware of the loss, they hassled every time the couple used there shipcard to buy even a soft drink.

I did offer to link their account to my card, but eventually the cruise line accepted they were still going to be paid for their bill.

 

Morale leave your ship board credit card in the safe, if at all possible.

 

Jean

[hat776]

I also think a money pouch or belt is a good idea.

 

Twice in Italy I left my purse (wallet) behind me in a shop. When I returned a couple of hours later both times the sales girls had it safe for me.

 

So don't become paranoid and imagine everyone is out to get you. Just remember that at every tourist site the world over you're bound to find pickpockets.

 

Even at the religous site of Lourdes in France there are pickpockets about ready to catch someone out.

[KCcruisin07]

I too use a Pouchsafe with a little money and copy of my passport under my top. I have to admit it is hard to get to the money. My husband has a vest with many pockets, inside and out, some with Velcro. It is really handy. We usually use his money and credit cards!

We did see some gypsies in Rome and were jostled around in crowds from time to time. We just try to be careful, were warned to avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and making ourselves a target. And we had a wonderful time!

[Go-Bucks!]

I've only been to Europe on land vacations, but I always keep the majority of money, all debit and credit cards, passport, train tickets, etc. in my money belt. Even though it takes me a few days to get used to it's feel, my "deep storage" gives me so much peace of mind. No ruined vacation for me! :D

 

For a little money for the day, plus guidebook, sweater, and water bottle, I have a great security purse that I wear with the strap across my chest and the purse in front of me. Even it someone opened it, they couldn't find the little change purse with the cash cuz it's deep down inside in a zippered pocket. The most I usually take for a day is 80-100 euros.

 

I'm planning to take a European cruise next year, but it should be even easier since you can leave the passport and all nonessential cards back in the ship safe. Just bring a copy of the passport, one card, and a little bit of cash in the money belt. You're free to fully enjoy the sightseeing.

[DoniaG]

As other posters have noted, not all the thieves are on the European "side of the pond." My youthful and fit mother had her purse yanked off her shoulder (leaving some major bruises!) - in the post office of the small town in Texas where she has lived all her life! The guy made a BIG mistake when he chose her. Half the people in the crowded post office knew her and when she yelled bloody murder, a bunch of them chased down and tackled the guy. He was somewhat the worst for wear when the police arrived. Only in Texas!

 

My single experience with a pickpocket was in London - at Buckingham Palace no less! I was bumped fairly hard in the crowded gift shop and just a moment later realized the my previously zipped and tucked securely under my arm handbag had been opened and my wallet removed. That, however, turned into a fascinating incident. 1) A delightful bobby took my friend and I far back into the interior of the palace to the small area that serves as their "station" to take my report. 2) A few days later, we hired a car to take us down to Brighton, and our driver was a retired diplomat who still had friends in high places. We told him the story, and a few weeks after we got home, I received a charming hand-written letter of apology from the Queen's Private Secretary - on Palace stationery. (This is a somewhat exalted personage - NOT the person at the front desk.)

 

Fortunately I lost only about the equivalent of $100 and a check card. I immediately sent word to the person at home who had copies of everything and she had the check card canceled before we got up the next morning. Someone did hit it for about a few pounds at Harrod's - but my bank covered it. My passport and other credit cards were locked up at our hotel.

 

Yes, it was a bit upsetting - but getting to meet that super-nice bobby, visit non-public parts of Buckingham Palace, and receive a letter from a very impressive guy took a lot of the sting out of it. My friend and I have often laughed over what we might have been willing to pay for the experiences we got when I lost less than $100. We've concluded that the price was pretty reasonable for the result!

 

BTW, my wallet was found (empty, of course) and delivered to me by another charming bobby on the day we left! Only in London!

 

:DDonia

[samavarcruiser]

Helpful Link

 

http://www.travelinginspain.com/safety2.htm

[iancal]

We were in Italy last Sept. I can remember seeing a tourist in Rome, fresh off the plane, reaching for his wallet from his back pocket at a gelato stand and making a display of showing everyone how many Euros he had and wasn't he an important person. I remarked to my DW that he would be very lucky to have that wallet in an hour from then. People who flash money and credit cards are the first to become victims-in Europe or anywhere else.

[coop2]

It is great! buy it at Magellan on line ($7 or so)

[scottbee]

I was lucky enough to be on a cruise where one of the guest speakers was Bob Arno, an expert on pickpocketing. Our cruise had departed Rome, and he asked "Did anyone get pickpocketed in Rome?", about 20 hands went up. A couple of ladies offered up their razorbladed purses (who cares if it's zipped, they cut through the back of it).

 

If you're going to Rome, be careful.

[keltic]

Crime is Spain in day and busy streets is almost marginal. No worry about, and of course in a lower rate compared to many US cities. Of course as a tourist you could be a prime target, but as any place in the world.

 

Just some precautions, and you won´t have any problem at all.

[jonsul]

Just got back from a cruise including Rome and Barcelona. I was particularly concerned because of all the problems others seemed to have had, but experienced no problems whatsoever.

 

Just be vigilant, as you would at home. Keep a third eye open, and avoid being crowded in. Don't let any worry stop you enjoying your holiday, my experience was that it is not as bad as I had anticipated. Came across one beggar woman in Rome, saw no gypsies at all, good or bad, and in Barcelona my only worry was being picked out by one of the statue buskers!!!!!

 

Relax and enjoy, but stay vigilant, and don't wear expensive jewellery or carry a lot of money with you. Just take what you need.

 

Susan

[cmpaula]

".....being picked out by one of the statue buskers"

 

Susan,

What is a statue busker? I haven't heard that term before! I am glad to read your response and I am glad you didn't have any problems. I think common sense is the solution.

[jonsul]

".....being picked out by one of the statue buskers"

 

Susan,

What is a statue busker? I haven't heard that term before! I am glad to read your response and I am glad you didn't have any problems. I think common sense is the solution.

 

 

Sorry - I don't know what else to call them! You know - they dress up as statues and stand on the street in absolute stillness, and will move when someone puts money in their "hat", or occasionally scare or chase someone! :eek: I find them weird and freaky, though still fascinating. There are lots of them down La Ramblas.

 

Susan

[cmpaula]

How interesting! I don't think I have ever seen one in person so I appreciate the explanation....now they won't startle me when they move:o

[cruisemom42]

Sorry - I don't know what else to call them! You know - they dress up as statues and stand on the street in absolute stillness, and will move when someone puts money in their "hat", or occasionally scare or chase someone! :eek: I find them weird and freaky, though still fascinating. There are lots of them down La Ramblas.

 

Susan

 

Here are some photos of these "human statues"

 

[D4]

...> 2 times in Rome: on my first visit I went with a big group of friends but I somehow was alone for a minute while taking some pictures at the Capitol Plazza, near the forum... a group of small children came all over around me, surrounded me and started touching me with their tiny hands all over, inside my purse, inside my shirt, it was a dreadfull sensation because there's something in us which keeps us from hiting a child so they just do what they want for a minute. I ended up beeing able to push them and ran away and I managed to stick so closely to my purse that for a miracle they were unable to take my wallet...

 

So what do people recommend you do if a bunch of small children surround and start touching you? This freaks me out! I think my reaction would be to scream at them, but I don't know if that would get them to leave.