Top Tips For Avoiding Pick Pockets when you’re in Port

I’ve been writing a series of blogs recently about some of the more popular tourist attractions for cruisers in Europe. Sadly some of these destinations do have a problem with pickpockets, especially in the larger cities. It’s with this in mind that I’ve put this little guide together on the best ways to avoid having a pickpocket ruin your holiday.

Walk with Purpose and Keep Moving
Confused looks, hesitant steps and visible maps are the perfect indicators of a distracted person and therefore a good target. Take the time before you leave a safe area (a restaurant, your hotel, the train platform) to check your surroundings and directions before heading out. Perhaps write a few key indications (direction and street names) on a post-it for quick reference.

Be Unpredictable
If you suspect you are being followed/targeted by a pickpocket, change directions, stop and go in a different direction. Enter into the nearest shop for a few minutes to collect yourself and perhaps to make them lose interest. Pickpockets love stations because people entering and exiting them are very concentrated on getting to their next destination, and their paths are obvious.

Don’t Stop to Talk or Answer Questions from Strangers
Chances are, you look like a tourist more than you would like to, and pickpockets have learned how to recognize a potential mark. Therefore, it is very unlikely someone will need to stop you and ask for directions or assistance in English if you are in a foreign country. In all actuality, they probably know you are a tourist already and are seeking to confirm this and perhaps create some conversation to relax/distract you for a partner. We all want to be compassionate and help others, but when you are vulnerable with luggage and finding your way, think of yourself first. Walk with purpose.

When carrying a purse or bag, wear the flap against your body and keep a hand on it
My wife, when on holiday, only travels with purses that close with a single, central zip, (single entry point). She makes sure every time she carries it that the zip is facing front and directly under her arm where she can keep an eye on it.

While drinking or eating outside, NEVER put your purse/bag on the ground or hang it on the chair behind you.

I can’t tell you how many of my passengers have had their bags stolen while dining. Put it on your lap or on the table if it’s a small purse. If you have no other option, consider putting the leg of the chair through the straps of your purse or backpack.

Don’t keep important things in ANY outside pockets in your suitcase, jacket, or purse.

If you have to give pickpockets access to something (you have too much luggage or several bags) make sure it’s not worth taking. Keep small clothes items in outside luggage pockets and not important documents. Use inside pockets of jackets and purses that have a zipper and/or button to hold important documents, and take advantage of clothing layers to keep your documents buried as much as possible.

Bring the Bare Essentials When You Can

If you have a good base location such as a hotel or a cruise ship, why not lighten up what you’re carrying with you when going shopping, walking in crowded markets or areas? Most cruise lines provide a safe in your room for valuables.

Don’t let this blog scare you to much though; there are so many tourists in most cities that the likely hood of it being you getting targeted will be low, especially if you follow these simple steps. As always if anyone else has any tips for others or any horror stories about being pick pocketed on holiday please add them below.


Happy Cruising