Paris, the City of Lights, also holds a dark secret: a thriving population of pickpockets who prey on unsuspecting tourists. Each year, thousands of Americans report their passports or wallets stolen, often leaving them in a panic and with a ruined vacation.
But don’t despair! While pickpockets are a real threat, you can take steps to safeguard your valuables and enjoy your Parisian adventure without worry. This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to avoid becoming a victim.
Who Are They and How Do They Operate?
Pickpockets target tourists because they are easy to identify, often distracted by their unfamiliar surroundings, and assumed to carry large sums of money. They are professionals, frequently working in teams, creating distractions and expertly slipping their hands into your pockets or bags.
You might not even notice the theft until much later, after being jostled in a crowded subway or realizing your wallet is missing. Sadly, women are particularly vulnerable, with 70% of victims in Paris being female. This is due to the ease with which pickpockets can access handbags that are left carelessly dangling or placed on the floor.
The Consequences of Losing Your Wallet
The most common goal of a pickpocket is money. However, tourists often carry all their essential documents in “convenient” travel wallets, making them prime targets. The loss of a passport, identification, tickets, cash, credit cards, and traveler’s checks can be devastating, turning a dream vacation into a nightmare.
While the thief might discard the wallet, leaving it for the Paris Lost and Found office, the real hassle begins with replacing lost documents and credit cards, often a time-consuming and stressful process.
Protect Yourself: Simple Steps to Avoid Pickpockets
1. Minimize Your Risk:
* Carry only what you need, leaving valuables such as jewelry, Euro passes, airline tickets, traveler’s checks, credit cards, extra cash, and your passport in your hotel safe.
* Once in France, American tourists are not required to carry their passports constantly. A student card or driver’s license will usually suffice for identification purposes.
* Keep your passport separate from your wallet or handbag. Men can consider storing their passport in a front pants pocket instead of their inside jacket pocket.
* Don’t let one member of your family or group carry everyone’s passports. Never store multiple passports in the same bag or briefcase.
2. Secure Your Belongings:
* Hold your purse or shoulder bag securely under your arm in crowded areas. Keep it on your lap or in plain sight in restaurants and public places.
* On the street, walk away from the curb and carry your handbag under your arm to prevent motorcycle thieves from grabbing it.
* Be cautious of groups of noisy children who swarm around you with distracting signs or papers begging for money. They may be pickpockets in disguise.
* Don’t leave valuables in a locked car. Locks can be easily bypassed, and even the trunk is not secure.
3. What To Do If You’re Mugged:
* Don’t resist if you are mugged. You could be seriously injured.
* If you witness a pickpocket in action, don’t attempt to apprehend them unless a police officer is nearby. Some pickpockets carry weapons.
* Don’t go into shock. We know being robbed is upsetting. If you are robbed, immediately ask for directions to the nearest police station (commissariat).
* Report the theft or loss to the police, who will provide you with a Récépissé de Declaration de Perte ou de Vol. This receipt is crucial for insurance purposes and will help temporarily cover the loss of your identification documents.
* If you lose your passport or require other assistance, contact the American Embassy.
Further Safeguarding Your Funds
- Carry the minimum amount of cash possible.
- Spread your cash out in different locations on your person (handbags, pockets, etc.).
- Use small or medium denomination banknotes.
- Keep PIN numbers secret, do not throw away receipts, and keep a separate record of your credit card numbers for reporting purposes if they are stolen or lost.
- Make photocopies of your passport and driver’s license, keeping them separate from the originals.
- Write down your temporary address in France and keep it with you at all times.
- Do not write your name and address on your key ring.
Safety on Public Transport
- Be cautious if you are jostled or surrounded by crowds in public transport (bus, subway, RER).
- Make sure the opening of your handbag faces you.
- Don’t carry valuables in your side or back pockets.
- Remember, leaving valuable items in your vehicle increases the risk of theft.
- To deter vehicle theft, keep your car windows closed and doors locked, including the trunk, even while driving.
Final Thoughts:
By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly minimize your risk of falling victim to pickpockets. Staying aware of your surroundings, securing your belongings, and following our safety guidelines will allow you to enjoy your Parisian adventure without the worry of theft.
For further information and resources, visit the State Department website pages for Country Information for France and International Travel, as well as the French police website.
