While pickpocketing is rife across Europe, most people won't even notice they've been stolen from until it's far too late - and a scammer has made off with their goods, never to be seen again. Busy areas like public transport stations, tourist attractions and city centres are usually rife with thieves, looking for unsuspecting victims to swipe from at leisure.
And while sometimes there's absolutely nothing you can do to avoid thieves on holiday, one tourist has warned that there are a number of things you can do to substantially reduce the risk.
Taking to Reddit, FoldedTwice, said: "Pickpocketing is an opportunistic crime, which happens when it is physically easy for someone to get something out of your bag or pocket and when you’re distracted and won’t notice. If either of these conditions isn't met, there’s no opportunity to pickpocket you. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas."
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The Express reports that tourists can wear flat money belts underneath their clothing to store valuables like passports and money, as pickpockets wont have the ease of access as they do with pockets and bags. The tourist, went on: "A camera hanging around your neck will mark you out as a tourist, and so potentially a mark.
"Lots of other things will mark you out as a tourist, such as the fact that you’re speaking English and going to tourist sites."
A large camera may well attract pickpockets, so it's best to keep these concealed if possible. And while speaking English is unavoidable for many, tourists can avoid using the likes of large maps and standout GPS systems which may also likely attract unwanted attention.
Meanwhile, when present at popular attractions, holidaymakers should pay particular attention to their surroundings at all times.
It's also unwise to carry your passport with you through the day, and you should instead leave these in a valuables safe at the hotel. Prior to your holiday, you can always make a photocopy of your passport and take that with you instead, should you need it.
And if you're prone to taking pictures, make sure no one is looking over your shoulder at your passcodes. This will keep your device much safer in the instance it is in fact swiped, as criminals will have no way to access it without your code.
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