Paris is a city of dreams, but unfortunately, it also attracts pickpockets who prey on unsuspecting tourists. Every year, around 2,000 Americans report their passports stolen or lost in the City of Lights. It’s a disheartening statistic, but it’s important to be aware of the risks so you can take steps to protect yourself.
How Pickpockets Operate
Pickpockets often target tourists, who are easily identifiable by their foreign language, clothing, guidebooks, and cameras. They assume that tourists carry large amounts of cash and are distracted by their unfamiliar surroundings.
Professional pickpockets often work in pairs or larger groups. They might jostle you on the subway, distracting you while their accomplice lifts your wallet. You might not even realize you’ve been robbed until later when you discover your wallet is missing.
Common Targets and Strategies
Pickpockets often target women’s handbags, especially if they’re hanging carelessly or left unattended in a restaurant or shop. Around 70% of pickpocketing victims in Paris are women. Men’s outside pockets are also easy targets.
The goal of a pickpocket is usually to steal your money. But they often grab other valuable items as well, like your passport, identification, tickets, credit cards, and traveler’s checks. This can be a real nightmare for tourists, as it can ruin their vacation and require significant time and effort to replace lost documents and cards.
Protecting Yourself from Pickpockets
It’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to prevent becoming a victim.
Here are some practical tips:
- Carry only what you need: Leave valuable items like jewelry, Euro passes, airline tickets, traveler’s checks, extra cash, and your passport in your hotel safe.
- Carry your passport separately from your wallet or handbag: You can keep it in a front pants pocket (for men) or a securely fastened inner pocket. Don’t let one person in your group carry all the passports.
- Be vigilant in crowds: Hold your purse or bag tightly under your arm, keep it on your lap in restaurants, and be aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car: Even locked cars are vulnerable to theft. The trunk is not safe either.
- Don’t resist if you’re mugged: You can get seriously hurt.
- Don’t chase a pickpocket: Some pickpockets carry knives.
- Report any theft to the police: Every district in Paris has several police stations (commissariats). They’ll provide you with a receipt (Récépissé de Declaration de Perte ou de Vol) that you’ll need for insurance purposes.
General Safety Tips
- Carry a small amount of cash:
- Spread your money out: Keep money in different places (handbags, pockets, etc.).
- Use small or medium denomination bills:
- Keep your PIN numbers secret and secure: Don’t throw away receipts, and keep your credit card numbers in a separate safe place.
- Make photocopies of your passport and driver’s license: This will help you if your originals are stolen.
- Keep your temporary address written down:
- Don’t write your name and address on your keyring:
Safety on Public Transport
- Be cautious in crowds:
- Keep your handbag closed and facing you:
- Don’t carry valuables in your side or back pockets:
- Lock your car doors and windows: Even while driving.
By being aware of these common pickpocketing techniques and taking simple precautions, you can help keep your valuables safe and enjoy your trip to Paris.
