Pocket Thieves Paradise: 14 Cities With Sky-High Pickpocketing Rates

When it comes to traveling, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring new cities, soaking in the sights, and, oh yeah, keeping an iron grip on your wallet. Because certain cities have earned themselves a reputation – not for their stunning architecture or vibrant culture – but for how quickly your phone can disappear from your pocket.

These places aren’t just destinations; they’re like real-life obstacle courses where you’re constantly dodging nimble-handed pros. While some might call it “part of the adventure,” most of us would prefer to hold on to our belongings, thank you very much.

So before you even think about wandering these cities, you might want to sharpen those street smarts because, here…losing your stuff is almost a rite of passage.

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Rome, Italy

Rome may be known as the Eternal City, but your wallet isn’t eternal (and neither is your patience if you fall victim to pickpockets here). The Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are not just tourist magnets – they’re also like a buffet for thieves.

Crowded conditions? Check. Distracted tourists? Double-check. If you’re juggling your gelato, phone, and map, congratulations…you’ve just painted a target on yourself. Keep your hands on your cash, and don’t even think about leaving your bag unzipped.

Paris, France

The City of Light. Love, croissants, and…crafty pickpockets. Paris may be every romantic’s dream, but the thieves here are realists, and they know exactly where to find you. The Eiffel Tower? Yup. The Sacre-Cœur? Of course. Metro line during rush hour? A pickpocket’s playground.

Don’t you dare leave your bag hanging open – it’s practically screaming, “Steal from me!” For all its beauty, Paris proves that not all art happens in museums; some of it is in the swift fingers of a local thief swiping your wallet.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid’s energy is undeniable – it’s a city that thrives on vibrancy and movement. Unfortunately, so do its pickpockets. The bustling Puerta del Sol and Gran Via? You might as well hang a “rob me” sign if you’re not vigilant.

Spain’s capital knows how to party, but while you’re dancing away at Flamenco shows or hustling through El Rastro market, pickpockets are plotting their next move. Keep your valuables close, and whatever you do, don’t flaunt that wallet.

Madrid is where I got my honorary degree in “How to Avoid Pickpockets 101.” Picture this: college me, wandering around, wide-eyed and clueless, when a woman starts aggressively trying to hand me a coin.

I’m just standing there wondering why on earth she’s in my bubble and why I’m apparently a charity case. I take a step back; only my purse pulls away. Turns out, while I was busy marveling at this unsolicited coin transaction, her other hand was stealthily attempting to unzip my purse. Fortunately, nothing was taken, but I sure learned my lesson.

Florence, Italy

Florence is a feast for the eyes – except for the parts where you’re trying to figure out how someone lifted your wallet without you noticing. The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and bustling piazzas are tourist traps and, therefore, prime feeding grounds for thieves.

It’s an art form, really – a swift hand sneaking into your bag while you’re marveling at Michelangelo’s David. Don’t give thieves a masterpiece of their own; secure your belongings.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin might be edgy and full of history, but it’s also home to some pretty creative pickpocket rings. Areas like Alexanderplatz and the East Side Gallery are breeding grounds for distractions (and we’re not just talking about avant-garde art).

You’ll think you’re busy being wowed by remnants of the Berlin Wall when, oh wait, your phone’s been liberated. Pro-tip for navigating this gritty capital? Keep your things locked up tighter than a Berliner’s opinion on currywurst.

Brussels, Belgium

Belgium may be better known for waffles and chocolate, but don’t underestimate Brussels’ pickpocket scene. The Grand Place is majestic, yes…but it’s also crawling with more dangers than a plate of mussels left in the sun.

And don’t forget the streets surrounding the Atomium. Tourists, distracted by the shiny architecture, often find their bags less shiny (and less full) by the end of the day.

Lisbon, Portugal

Historic tram rides sound dreamy until you find out your backpack donated its contents to an enterprising thief. Lisbon’s trams, quaint as they are, are infamous for pickpocketing (seriously, thieves know all the stops).

Tourist-packed neighborhoods like Alfama further up the risk factor. The views may be stunning, but you don’t want the sight of an empty wallet ruining the mood. Hook your bag around you like you’d guard your last glass of Port wine – firmly and stubbornly.

Athens, Greece

The birthplace of democracy. And, evidently, an unofficial school for pickpocketing majors (Magna Cum Laude). The areas surrounding the Acropolis and Monastiraki are primetime pickpocket zones.

Visitors, distracted by ancient ruins or haggling over souvenirs, are easy targets. It’s poetic, really – chaos in the midst of rich history. Don’t leave your guard down, or you might be left contemplating your empty pockets while gazing at Athena’s temple.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

It’s hard not to get mesmerized by Amsterdam’s charm…the canals, the tulips, the pickpockets (wait, what?). High tourist traffic, especially in the Red Light District and at the Anne Frank House, means thieves are having as much fun as you are.

And they don’t need a boat to steal your things. So a crossbody bag with an unpickable lock is your best ally here. Who knew cycling wasn’t the only sport Amsterdam excels at?

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s cobblestone streets and medieval charm make it feel like a fairytale. But the pickpockets here are more nightmares than happy endings. Charles Bridge, with its dramatic views, is a particular favorite for thieves to test their sleight of hand. Your amazed gaze at the Gothic architecture is their cue to strike.

Lock your backpack, pocket those phones, and keep your money where even the sneakiest pickpocket couldn’t dream of reaching.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin – the land of Guinness, friendly folks, and… increasingly unfriendly theft rates. Imagine wandering through the lively Temple Bar area, only to realize something’s off (like your wallet).

Public transport and crowded spots are prime real estate for those looking to lift a thing – or three – off a distracted tourist. So don’t spoil your Irish adventure by skimping on a secure bag. Save the luck of the Irish for your beer pours, not your valuables.

Riga, Latvia

You came to Riga for its cobblestone streets and unexpectedly cool nightlife, only to discover that enterprising thieves like Riga just as much as you do. Nightclubs and tourist-heavy districts, while undeniably fun, are hotspots for scams and subtle pickpocketing.

Be it late-night pub crawls or photogenic city tours, keep an eye (and a hand) on your belongings. Riga delivers charm; just don’t hand over your purse in the process.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade’s nightlife is the stuff of legends, but trust us when we say the only souvenir you want to bring back is a hangover…not a missing wallet. Crowded public spaces, outdoor bars, and festivals are perfect stomping grounds for sticky fingers.

Drinking rakija alongside lively locals? Sure. Leaving your phone unattended? Absolutely not. Keep your belongings as tight as your grip on that swig of Serbian plum brandy.

Stockholm, Sweden

It may have the reputation of being one of the safest cities in the world, but even Stockholm has a pickpocket problem (spoiler alert: it’s called crowds). From Gamla Stan to Djurgarden, busy sightseeing spots are occasionally plagued by enterprising hands.

You might be admiring the clean streets and stylish locals, but distractions spell trouble. Keep your bag zipped tighter than the seams of an IKEA bookshelf, and you’ll be good to go.

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