Pickpockets often target tourists as they may be less aware of their surroundings or be carrying important documents. A new pickpocketing index from Quotezone.co.uk has found the countries where British tourists are most likely to be pickpocketed.
Pickpocketing hotspots
- Italy
- France
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Greece
- Spain
- Portugal
- Turkey
- Ireland
- Poland
The team looked at the number of times tourists mention pickpockets in reviews of each country’s top attractions.
Although Barcelona is often thought of as a pickpocketing hotspot, Spain didn’t make the top 10.
Italy took the top spot and several of the popular country’s top tourist attractions were magnets for thieves.
Reviews of Rome’s Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon all had reviews where tourists mentioned having items stolen.
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The Duomo di Milano in Milan and the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence had also been targeted by pickpockets.
France took the second spot on the list with all five attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, located in Paris.
The Netherlands was Europe’s third worst spot for pickpockets while Germany took fourth place.
Greece was the fifth worst destination for pickpockets with Spain and Portugal in sixth and seventh place.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Theft can happen anywhere and tourist hotspots are convenient places for criminals to target holidaymakers’ wallets and purses whilst they are busy taking in the sites.
“Iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome are particularly popular with pickpockets as they can move more inconspicuously amongst larger crowds.
“Many holidaymakers are unaware that some of the most popular destinations for Brits have some of the highest incidents of petty theft in Europe.
“Our research revealed some surprising results with Italy having the most pickpocketing mentions and Spain only coming in sixth with five times fewer mentions of theft.
“It is essential always to remain vigilant, leave valuables, like expensive jewellery, in a safe in the hotel and always travel with a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets or even a money belt.
“Try never to leave personal belongings unattended because travel insurance companies require travellers to take ‘reasonable care’ and could reject claims if items have been left alone.
“It is also important to remember to get a police report for the loss or theft of an item as this will support the insurance claim.
“Remember to double-check what is and isn’t covered on the travel insurance policy before heading to these high-ranking destinations, most travel insurance policies cover important documentation such as passports but rarely cover stolen cash and phones.”
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