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In early 2024, Quotezone's "European Pickpocketing Index" (a UK-based travel insurance platform) ranked Italy first in Europe for the rate of reported pickpockets, with 478 incidents per million British tourists visiting destinations such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain – higher than both France and Spain. France followed with 251 incidents per million visitors, mainly in Paris. Spain (Las Ramblas, Madrid) and the Netherlands (Amsterdam) also ranked among the top countries with high indices.
The European Pickpocket Index is published by the website Quotezone.co.uk.
On forums like Reddit, tourists admit that a moment of inattention can lead to being pickpocketed in crowds such as at Paris Metro stations, major bus routes in Rome, or the Duomo area in Milan.
When victims speak out: A common but difficult-to-prevent reality.
Barcelona, Spain, is famous for its coastline and Gaudí architecture, but today it's increasingly known as a "hot spot" for pickpocketing. According to Numbeo's 2024 statistics, Barcelona has the highest theft rate in Spain, with a safety index of only 38 out of 100 points. Quotezone also ranked Barcelona at the top of the "European Pickpocketing Index" in 2023, meaning it's the city with the highest risk of being pickpocketed.
In a post on a European travel group, Tran Thanh Tam recounted having his watch snatched right out of his hand while walking near Zara and H&M in Barcelona around noon. Despite being 1.8 meters tall, well-built, and walking with a group of eight, he didn't have time to react. A man dressed as a tourist approached and ripped off his watch, leaving behind a broken strap.
Tran Thanh Tam's post attracted the attention of many people in the European travel group.
In his post, Mr. Tam suspected he had been followed from the moment he checked out at the Starbucks below his Airbnb apartment by a woman who "may have been a lookout." According to Mr. Tam, the time between 11 and 12 noon is the "golden hour" for pickpockets, as tourists often drag their luggage, carry many bulky items, and are less vigilant.
In the comments section, many accounts also shared similar experiences. Khoa Pham once had his bag snatched while sitting and drinking water by the beach. Tuan Ta recounted how his friend had his watch, worth over 1 billion VND, stolen while walking at night in the pedestrian zone.
Earlier this year, TV presenter Thanh Thanh Huyen also posted a panicked status update about losing her suitcase while traveling by train in Italy, specifically from Rome to Florence. Her post showed she was very shocked and even cried, and she urged everyone to be more cautious when traveling on public transport in Europe.
Female MC Thanh Thanh Huyen posted a story about losing her suitcase while traveling in Italy.
Sophisticated and "scripted" robbery tactics in Europe
According to the 2023 report by the European Crime Prevention Network, the countries with the highest rates of robbery and pickpocketing include Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria. Paris, Rome, Milan, Florence, and Barcelona are cities that are frequently targeted. Crime in these cities is not isolated but organized, often carried out in groups of 3 to 10 people.
They typically operate in groups: one or two scouts will select a target, observe, and take photos. The information is then sent to the perpetrator of the snatching or pickpocketing. Some groups use minors to attract attention, create a distraction, or stage a chaotic scene.
La Rambla Avenue, the street with the most robberies in Barcelona (Spain).
Thieves also target tourists when they are careless, such as during check-out, while carrying a lot of luggage, taking photos in crowded areas, or boarding and alighting from public transport. Areas near shopping malls or large cafes are often targeted due to the high concentration of tourists.
Other common scams used to brazenly steal money include pretending to ask for signatures to support a charity, giving away lucky charm bracelets, organizing games to extort money, or luring people into participating.
Mr. Nguyen Canh Linh, representative of Top Ten Travel, a company specializing in visa application services and European tours, stated, "This problem has existed for many years, but the authorities of these countries have yet to find a thorough solution." He also emphasized that Asian tourists are frequently targeted because they often use designer goods and have a habit of using cash. Therefore, tourists need to plan ahead. While no solution is foolproof, preparation reduces the risk.
Equip yourself with knowledge and proactively protect your personal belongings when traveling in Europe.
Famous travel bloggers like Nhi Dang, Ha Thanh Phuc... and those with many years of experience living in European countries have shared the following tips on how to prevent and handle situations when being robbed:
Avoid carrying valuables; keep your watch, jewelry, cash, and important documents in the hotel safe. If you must bring them, keep your wallet and phone in a secure location, always within easy reach.
Tourists should be especially careful with valuables such as wallets, phones, watches, etc., in crowded places like metro stations, public buses, and squares.
Always be vigilant, even when traveling in large groups, especially when carrying bulky luggage during hotel check-in or check-out. It's best to use taxis or Uber, and avoid public transportation like buses, metros, and subways. Avoid designer or expensive-looking suitcases, as these are easy targets. Opt for brightly colored suitcases for better visibility and to deter potential thieves.
Tourists should be especially wary of scams. If someone approaches you for no apparent reason, leave immediately. These situations are often orchestrated by criminal groups.
If unfortunately becoming a victim, tourists should prioritize personal safety and not resist if they feel threatened. Report the incident to the local police immediately and provide a detailed description. Contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the host country for legal assistance and necessary procedures.
If important documents are stolen, report it to the police and contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the country where the theft occurred for legal assistance and procedures.
Choosing to travel to Europe now requires more than just a plane ticket; it requires vigilance and proactive self-protection. A pleasant trip to Europe depends not only on the destination but also on thorough preparation, local knowledge, and the ability to handle challenging situations.
