How to Avoid Getting Pickpocketed in Paris

Paris is an edenic city filled with museums, outdoor cafes, wrought-iron street lamps, bridges spanning the Seine and, unfortunately, pickpockets that prey on tourists. Petty thieves are hard to spot as they have made an art form out of being discrete as they quietly slip your wallet or passport out of your clothing pockets or bags. So enjoy the sights, but keep your senses alert.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Be aware of your possessions in the Metro, Paris’ public subway system. Hold your backpack or purse in front of you in your arms while riding on the train. You never know if a pickpocket is lurking behind you in the guise of a decent Parisian.
2. Purchase means of keeping your valuable belongings close to your body. This doesn’t have to mean looking like a typical American tourist strapped with a gaudy fanny pack. Travel stores sell sleek, thin pouches that go under your clothing against your person. You may also opt to put your cash, passport and other documents in the pockets of a layer of clothing under your outer jacket.
3. Watch out for people peddling musical performances, souvenirs or trinkets. If they walk up to you with instruments or thrust small goods at you face, walk away. Staying and quibbling may cause you to become distracted and vulnerable to pickpocketing.
4. Dress like a local. If you bumble around town with a camera around your neck, flip-flops on your feet and maps spread out across your face, you make an easy target for pickpockets. Upon arrival, spend an afternoon getting used to Parisian dress, mannerisms and style.

Tips & Warnings

• Separate money, checkbooks, bank cards and identity papers. If you become a victim of pickpocketing, keeping important belongings in one spot increases the risk of losing everything at once.
• Don’t walk alone at night. Take a taxi instead. Purse snatchers often target women wandering solo after dark.