The Paris Pickpocket: How to Recognize and Avoid Them | Bonjour Paris (2023)

FAQs

How do Parisians avoid pickpockets? ›

Carry your purse tightly under your arm and slightly in front of you. If you have the backpack-type purse, swing it around so that it is slightly in front of you as well. We don't have eyes in the back of our heads, so keep your purse where you can see it.

Paris is known for its glamour, its cuisine, its romance, and of course, its fashion. Unfortunately, it is also known for its pickpockets. The city attracts over 33 million tourists a year, so it's no mystery why it's a hot spot for sticky fingers.

Unfortunately, Parisians and tourists are not the only people taking in the sights of the city; pickpockets also work this well-traveled path.

Pickpockets in Paris Metro

In metros, if you're sitting by the doors, either have your cell phone away or hold it tightly, as people will run by right as doors are closing and nab your phone or purse. At ATMs, avoid anyone who tries to talk to you.

Pickpockets love hitting up tourists because 1) they often have lots of cash and valuables on them and 2) they're typically not paying attention to what's going on around them because they're so focused on taking in the new sights. So avoid looking like a tourist.

What can you do to protect yourself? The best protection is to eliminate the opportunity of becoming a victim in the first place. pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets.

What identification is needed to enter and travel within French territory? All foreign visitors, including European Union (EU) nationals, must carry identification in the form of a passport or national identity card.

Paris is relatively safe to walk in at night. It's a city with a busy nightlife, and you'll likely see other tourists and locals walking about at night. Just remember to be extra careful after sunset. Posh areas are more deserted at night, so be aware of these seemingly safe areas.

What is the main trick pickpockets? ›

A classic trick is the 'stall', used by pickpocketing gangs all over the world. First, a 'blocker', walks in front of the victim (or 'mark') and suddenly stops so that the mark bumps into them. Another gang member will be close behind and will bump into both of them and then start a staged argument with the blocker.

These types of pickpockets would often go for objects that contain your personal information. Some examples are wallets with cards and IDs, phones with pictures and emails, or laptops that often contain important documents and saved passwords.

Keep your phone in the same place so you're more likely to feel the difference if someone takes it from you. Move your phone from your pants pocket to an inside jacket pocket, purse or bag when you're not using it, even if only for a few minutes -- the harder it is to get to, the harder it is to steal.

If you absolutely must then shout 'pickpocket ' or 'thief' very loudly. Hello dear! If you are violently attacked, self defence is allowed, you can punch as you please. If you are pickpocketed, it's not that simple I am afraid, you may have to prove that punching was the only way to stop the thief.

People With a Lot of Luggage

If you are pulling along two suitcases and have a backpack, you're going to be a prime target for a pickpocket. You won't be able to watch over all your things since you have so much stuff.

They don't employ any special technique; they just seek out people who've left themselves vulnerable. For example, college students often study in crowded public areas, with their backpacks sitting open next to them. A pickpocket simply sits nearby and surreptitiously reaches into the victim's backpack.

Pickpockets will very rarely attack you with violence. If they feel that they have been caught out, they just shrug their shoulders and wait for another victim. Be wary of offers of help and be very aware if you accept them.

Multiple teams of pickpockets flock to festivals to steal your phone and whatever else they can get their hands on. It has unfortunately become big business and is only getting bigger.

Are front pockets safe from pickpockets? ›

A pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets. If you have to carry your wallet in an unbuttoned jacket, coat or pants pocket, be sure it holds only what you can afford to lose.

Tipping is not required in France (although there are a few exceptions). You don't need to tip French waitstaff because they get a living wage and benefits. It is NOT considered rude to tip in France.

The safest and most convenient style of bag is a crossbody bag that you wear from one shoulder to the opposite hip. A thin flexible wire embedded in the strap makes it slash-resistant to thieves who cut bag straps and then run off with the bag.

ACCORDING to a survey by TripAdvisor, eight of the top ten cities in the world most notorious for pickpockets are in Europe, with Barcelona, Rome, Prague, Madrid, Paris making up the top five.

But truth be told, these petty thieves usually prey on vulnerable people such as our valued elders and students. And although pickpocketing incidents seemed to decline during the 1990s, the following data indicates the numbers continue to rise. Upwards of 400,000 pickpocketing incidents occur per day.

Grab your stuff back, talk very loudly telling them they cannot take your stuff, and stay in an area with people! Take a mental note of their appearance and what they're wearing, and if possible, inform the police. Don't try this if there's no one else in sight - only if other people are around!

European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. Credit cards are generally accepted, especially in cities; but check with your card issuer about foreign transaction fees and currency exchange fees.

The currency of France is the Euro. Take sensible precautions and remain alert when handling cash and credit cards in public areas and at cash machines. Credit cards are widely accepted. You may be asked to provide ID if you can't pay by chip and PIN.

That's right. Many European hotels check your passport in addition to asking for a credit card for incidentals. In most cases, you only need to show your passport at check in, or, rarely, leave it overnight. According to Traveller, in the U.K., it's actually required by law.

Is Uber in Paris safe? ›

Is Uber Safe in Paris? Yes. Uber is a safe transportation option in Paris.

The tap water in Paris is very closely monitored for quality assurance, both by the water supply company Eau de Paris and independent health authorities, to ensure its quality. This means that tap water in Paris is legal to drink per French, European, and World Health Organization standards.

You won't need to calculate a tip. Not a major one, anyway. As opposed to the U.S., where most waiters make their living from tips, servers in Paris are paid a living wage. And since service is already included in the price, no one is expecting you to tack on an additional 20 to 25 percent at the end of the meal.

Apollo Robbins is known as “The Gentleman Thief” because after he picks your pocket he returns your goods. What can we learn? Apollo Robbins has been called the world's best pickpocket and “the Gentleman Thief” because he always returns what he has lifted from his skeptical audience.

A pickpocket is a person who steals things from people's pockets or bags in public places. Beware of pickpockets, especially when making a purchase. Synonyms: thief, bag-snatcher, purse-snatcher, cutpurse [archaic] More Synonyms of pickpocket. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Synonyms of.

There are still a handful of pickpockets working cities, and some old-fashioned troupes on the road, according to Bob Arno, hitting big sporting events and smaller towns with “lax judicial environments” and police less adept at spotting dippers.

“The most popular items that burglars are looking to steal are typically cash, jewelry, and electronics.

But next time you try to buy something, your own fingers may grasp only air as you search desperately for your missing funds. You − and up to 100,000 other unsuspecting visitors − have fallen prey to pickpockets in Paris, the bane of city authorities.

But fanny packs (or waist packs) can also help prevent pickpocket incidents in Europe. If you want a hands-free option for your travels and go with a fanny pack, make sure you wear the back in front of you. Wearing it behind you will make it easier for Europe pickpockets.

Pickpocket, as practiced by some magicians "for entertainment purposes only", is the act of "stealing" items off a person without their knowledge. Also called "Stage Pickpocketing", it has enjoyed a long association with conjuring depending on sleight-of-hand and misdirection.

Why should you only tip 6 in France? ›

You don't need to tip French waitstaff because they get a living wage and benefits. It is NOT considered rude to tip in France. There is no standard percentage for tips in France. You usually can't include the tip when paying with your credit card in France.

Keep your phone and wallet and keys in your pocket or in a safe place. Never leave it on the table or in plain view. If someone walks up to you, just walk away or move your valuables close to you and call for help. Call attention to them will put other people on alert and they may try to get away.

The answer is simple, Wearing a luxury bag around Paris is absolutely fine! After all, Paris is one of the shopping capitals of the world! I would recommend if you are worried, pack a luxury bag that has a zipper closure and secure!

For most restaurants and bars, the dress code is dressed-up casual. So, if you do decide to go with a cocktail dress, the norm is for it to be accompanied by tights and a sweater/light jacket. This isn't because Parisians are against showing skin; it's just not typical for this type of setting.

Taking your leftovers home is not customary. The food portions are, after all, significantly smaller than many American restaurants. However, since 2016, larger restaurants have to provide a to-go box to avoid food waste. Still, it is not the norm, and you may get a bit of a side-eye.