9 Popular Tourist Destinations That Are Pickpocket Hotspots

Italy’s rich history and stunning architecture draw millions of tourists each year. Unfortunately, it also draws skilled pickpockets. Rome’s Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are common targets, while Florence’s Piazza del Duomo and Venice’s crowded canals are not far behind. Train stations and busy markets are particularly risky.

Safety Tip: Opt for a bag with hidden zippers to make it harder for thieves to access your belongings.

Spain is notorious for pickpockets, especially in Barcelona. La Rambla, Park Güell, and the Sagrada Familia are all hotspots. Madrid’s Plaza Mayor and the crowded beaches of Costa del Sol are also common areas for theft.

Safety Tip: Thieves commonly use crowded festivities as cover, blending into the chaos to target unsuspecting tourists. So be careful during events or parades.

While Greece is famous for its beaches and ancient ruins, it’s also a prime spot for petty theft. In Athens, tourist-heavy areas like the Acropolis and Plaka district are high-risk zones. Islands such as Santorini and Mykonos also see their fair share of opportunistic thieves.

Safety Tip: Keep an eye on your bag in crowded restaurants and markets. Bags with RFID-blocking compartments can help protect against digital theft, which is also on the rise.

Paris, the City of Light, is also the city of sneaky pickpockets. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Sacré-Cœur are hotspots. Public transport, especially the Paris Metro, is another danger zone. Scammers often pose as friendly locals or petition-signers to distract tourists while their accomplices strike.

Safety Tip: Stay alert to unsolicited conversations or distractions. Politely decline strangers offering help or asking for signatures.

The UK sees millions of tourists annually, and with them comes the risk of theft. London’s bustling attractions like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Covent Garden are pickpocket favourites. Busy underground stations such as Oxford Circus are also common targets. Watch out for phone snatchers, who can grab your device in seconds and disappear into the crowd.

Safety Tip: Avoid using your phone near train doors or on busy streets. Keep it secure in a pocket or anti-theft bag when not in use.

While generally safe, cities like New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles are hotspots for petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Times Square and the subway in NYC, Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, and Hollywood Boulevard in LA see frequent pickpocketing incidents.

Safety Tip: Avoid carrying all your cash in one place. Split it between different pockets or companions to minimise losses if targeted.

Vietnam is a stunning destination, but its bustling cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are hotspots for petty theft. Motorbike snatching is particularly common, where thieves grab bags as they drive past.

Safety Tip: Opt for a bag with slash-proof straps to deter motorbike thieves.

Thailand’s bustling streets, night markets, and beach towns make it a prime target for pickpocketing. Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai’s night markets, and the beaches of Phuket can be particularly risky. Tuk-tuks and crowded public transport also provide opportunities for theft. 

Safety Tip: Carry only what you need for the day and leave most of your money locked in your hotel safe whenever possible.

Buenos Aires is known for its tango and vibrant culture, but it’s also infamous for pickpocketing. Popular tourist areas like San Telmo Market and Palermo are prime spots for thieves. A common scam involves spilling something on tourists as a distraction.

Safety Tip: Be cautious if someone spills or drops something on you. Politely decline their help and move to a safe area to assess the situation.