Hazards when traveling in Europe

In Europe you are far less likely to become a victim of violent crime than in many other parts of the world. Using brain and common sense should keep you out of serious trouble. The biggest hazard is to become the victim of thieves, pickpockets, scams and other rip offs. This is especially the case in major tourist destinations like Rome, Florence and Barcelona, infamous places for having the purse or wallet stolen.

In order to develop a strategy against pickpockets you first need to know where and how these thieves operate. Crowded streets, tourist attractions, trains and museums are the workplace of pickpockets and they come in groups. This doesn´t mean that you are necessarily surrounded but rather that once a wallet is stolen, it is passed on to a third person.

Since it is difficult to protect the best strategy is to not have any or as few valuables as possible. Here is how to avoid becoming a pickpocket victim:

Don´t carry wallets and purses with you but leave them in the hotel safe, locked suitcase or other safe place. Only take what you really need: some cash, credit card, passport and carry them in a below-the-belt security wallet. Under-the-shirt security pouches are less safe as the yarn can be cut (and there are plenty of such cases). In case you decide to take your wallet do not carry it in your back pocket. It is not safe in a backpack or bag neither as pickpockets are highly skilled in opening and going through them in less than 2 seconds. Carry them close to your body.

Hold on to your bag and guard valuables whenever surrounded by crowds. Especially when someone (or a horde of unwashed kids) with a cardboard approaches you.