Outsmart Pickpockets: A Guide for Keeping Your Stuff Safe

It’s true that pickpocketing occurs in European countries, but how serious of a problem is it? Here at Elon, we don’t often worry about our belongings getting stolen. Oftentimes, students will leave their dorms unlocked and even walk away from their backpacks, laptops and phones. However, if you do this in a crowded city in Europe, you will likely never see these objects again. While we are lucky to not have to worry about this at Elon, it makes it even more difficult to transition to a city abroad where you have to stay aware of your surroundings to avoid pickpockets. 

Yes, pickpocketing is serious in Europe. A study found 80,000 cases of pickpocketing in London alone in 2018 and 2019. But, don’t worry; many of us here at The Edge have studied abroad in Europe and have not had any items stolen from us. You just need to be aware that it can happen and know how to avoid it. 

You are more likely to encounter pickpocketing in bigger and more crowded cities like London, Rome and Paris. Essentially, in crowded cities that host a large number of tourists, pickpocketing rates will most likely be higher than in a smaller, less populated town. 


It seems fairly obvious that pickpockets thrive in tourist-flooded cities, but not everything about pickpocketing is this straightforward. When asked to describe a pickpocket, most people will likely describe someone older lurking aimlessly around, tuned into his or her surroundings. You might be surprised to learn that most pickpockets do not fit this description, as most are young people around the ages of 10 to 16 years old. Young people have the perfect advantage to go undetected as a pickpocket; no one expects a sweet-looking 13-year-old to steal from them. This means that you'll find it difficult to pick out a pickpocket in a crowded area. 


Pickpockets often work in groups, making it even harder to identify who stole your belongings. Oftentimes, a few members of the team will distract you while another team member steals your belongings, quickly passing them to another member. This makes it impossible to track who stole your belongings, as well as where they ended up. 

That being said, you should try to avoid pickpocketing from happening in the first place. The best way to do this is to be aware and cognizant of your surroundings and where you are. There are a few places where you have to be extra careful due to high rates of theft. High rates of theft occur at tourist attractions, since tourists often focus more on what they’re looking at rather than what’s in their pockets. You should be extra aware in crowded nightclubs and bars, as drunk people tend to be less aware of their surroundings, creating a great opportunity for pickpockets. 

Another important note: always pay attention when taking public transportation. When public transportation becomes part of your daily routine, it can be easy to start feeling comfortable and stop keeping a tight watch over your belongings. Take caution in this and always be aware when on a crowded subway or bus to ensure you do not become a victim of a local pickpocket.

Our Tips for You:

Through speaking with Elon students that have previously studied abroad in Europe, we at The Edge have gathered some tips for avoiding pickpocketing. 

  1. Never leave your belongings unattended

This seems obvious, but coming from a campus where you can leave valuable items unattended with little risk of theft, it can be hard to get used to not trusting those around you. When in Europe, you need to keep a close watch over your belongings. This applies to the beach too; never leave your belongings at the beach while you go for a swim, as pickpockets often look for unattended items on busy beaches. 

2. Never give your belongings to other people

A common pickpocket scheme is luggage handlers, who will offer to help you with your luggage for a small fee. When you hand them your luggage, thankful to free up an extra hand, they will run away with your luggage with them. 

3. Be aware when distracted in the street

Street performances and “petition-ladies” are two ways pickpockets leave tourists distracted and vulnerable. When watching a street performance or talking to someone on the street, be sure to keep an eye on your pockets and purses.

4. Leave valuables behind

It is always a good rule of thumb to leave anything important at home if you don’t absolutely need it. Passports, large amounts of cash, computers and any other valuables are better left at home or in a hotel safe. 

5. Wear your bag in front of you

Wearing a purse or bag that you can easily keep in front of you will keep you aware of your belongings. Pickpockets love bags placed behind you, such as a backpack, rather than one you can easily see. 

6. Don’t use your phone while walking

So many of us have gotten used to walking while using our phones, but having a phone in front of your face decreases your awareness.

7. Keep belongings close when at a restaurant

When eating at a restaurant, you should always keep your purse or bag around you or in your lap, as unattended purses are easier to steal. Additionally, you should always keep your phone on you and not on the table as there have been cases of phones being swiped off a restaurant table. 


Many of us at The Edge have been abroad and have never been pickpocketed, but this is because we stayed vigilant and aware of our surroundings. When traveling abroad, don’t stress! Just stay aware, and you will have an amazing experience without any lost items.

Camille Olmstead