More tips for avoiding being pickpocketed. 1) Avoid the metro when it's crowded and don't stand by the door where a thief can easily jump off the train after lifting your valuables. 2) Never take off your purse or crossbody little pack (like the one you demonstrated) in a cafe or other public place. 3) Put your phone on a lanyard and wear it crossbody, while walking put it under your crossbody purse. 4) NEVER ever put anything of value in any exterior pocket.

Great advice. I have noticed that those who get robbed are often arrogant individuals who believe that they are smarter than the average bear and don't need to pay attention to warnings.

My husband I have traveled many times to Europe and several times to Paris and never been robbed. If it is cooler my bag is under my coat and nothing in our pockets. My husband wears a money belt around his neck under his shirt with all of our money, passports and credit cards. If I do carry a backpack for any reason, it will have bottled water Kleenex and lip gloss, nothing important if they are so inclined to take it.

I work in a pub/restaurant in central London, bags are stolen nearly every week. And the victims are locals with laptops usually. Bags get snached from under their tables very skillfuly (but people also tend to leave their bags unattended!) All the police can do is collect cctv footage. As mentioned in the video, the thiefs look "normal", they blend in as customers (although we can sense them and they are still not passing 100% as our regular guests, sadly it is often too late) Have heard that some have knives. There is also a woman who walks around with a paper and approaches people to ask for something or beg, she uses the paper to cover the phone she wants to steal. Cant belive this is still happening as it is so obvious. But it happens. People REALLY need to be careful and more aware of their surroundings in large cities.

Whenever I travel to any major city (even in the US), but especially places such as Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Athens, and NYC - I wear a cross body bag (I have them in several sizes) with a slashproof body and straps, RFID protection and locking hooks for all of the exterior zippers. And even then, as you do, I keep my hand and arm across it, especially in metros.

You're so right about the group of women asking to sign their petition: but actually, u can easily recognize the family that cld robb u like u said in the subway for example: they're usually Rom people. Same for the signing thing. It's a fact, and if it may not sound nice to hear, I prefer to warn tourist people who are planning a trip in Paris. I'm not saying all the Rom people are stealers but they usually love in the streets, and are not working. I'm French, and I've been living in Paris for 15 years. Thanks for ur videos!

Paris is one of my favorite cities. One my first visit, a concerned Parisian stopped me and gestured how I should wear my shoulder bag as you have demonstrated. Very grateful that they took the time to keep me safe.

Thanks for the honest tips! One time in Athens a family of gypsies sent their children to try to pick pocket me while I was sitting outside a church throwing up inside a plastic bag. They will do anything!

I was pickpocketed in El Paso, Texas. The crook bumped into me very hard and took the bag of purchases right out of my hand! Watch out for bumps…

I hope that your friends reported these thefts to the police. I used to be afraid to go to Rome because of what I heard about pick pockets, but I noticed when I finally went there, there was a huge police presence at the major tourist sites. Hoping that the French government will invest more in security at major tourist areas to protect one of their major means of revenue.

I have been to Paris 11 times now and fortunately, have never been a victim. Knock on wood! But I *have* seen many of these things happen in Paris. Very important to keep one’s wits about themselves everywhere - not being paranoid, just observant. Your suggestion of how to carry a bag is spot-on and what I do myself.

Thank you so much for sharing this! I wanted to add one quick scenario; our friend was wearing the Fanny pack and the gentlemen knocked him over and ended on top of him and somehow unzipped the Fanny pack and got his wallet. Lightening fast. Sad!

I would consider a cut proof strap, because I had a cross body purse and he walked up behind me and without even stopping cut my strap and jerked my purse without ever stopping and when I became aware he was gone in the fog (was a foggy day). You mentioned they seem to be in groups so not sure if that would work. I would try wearing a tank top with a blouse or sweater over it and wear the cross body inside where it is not seen, when you need to pay or use your phone you can sort of open your blouse or sweater enough to get them. Thanks for sharing.

My mom always when we traveled would make a little bag and put money, credit cards, ID in it and pin it in one of the cups of her bra, up by the strap. And just keep a small amount of money in her front pocket. You couldn't see the item in her bra. And she would just use the restroom to retrieve what she needed out of the little bag. I've used that trick too.

Great tips, thanks! My husband and I were just in Paris and saw those women with petitions! We are aware of distractions like that and take care. I did stop a pickpocket in the metro there a few years ago who was trying to steal from our friend. It was a couple whom I had noticed going up the stairs past us, and then they came back down, and our friends were waiting for the train. The man was fingering the charging cord hanging out of our friend's pocket, and I interrupted him, and he acted like he wasn't doing anything. Luckily, they left us alone.

I got my wallet taken in Notre dame area 2 days ago.. I was just walking through I stopped 2x to take a few pics or I looked at magazines on Sienna. Also could have been grabbed quickly down thin street. I stopped to put my battery in camera and saw my wallet was missing. by accident the wallet wasn't in the zipped purse I wear in front od me.. it was in a sac I carry for random items that I shop for.

I was staying at the generator hostel in Paris a few months ago and on my first night a few people got their computers stolen out from their lockers in my dorm. It’s very bad and I’ve traveled all around the world.

Thanks so much for this. I’m sharing it with a friend whose daughter is going to be in Europe this summer for the first time. Btw I’ve been in Paris for two months and have not been pickpocketed. I’m doing what you’re doing - but with the tote that I’m holding (clutching) in front of my body at all times. I’ve noticed that a lot of Parisian women carry totes instead of purses - and certainly never backpacks! A lot of it, too, is simply looking “don’t mess with me” fierce. I’m good at that!

Thank you so much, Arielle! Great info that’s priceless! Also thank you for your bravery in protecting those preyed upon! Be safe! Looking forward to your video on the 6th!

I was in Paris last year. Kept my purse close and zipped up. No problem 😊

Thank you for the advice. I am traveling to Paris this summer and will take precautions. I have a family member who was victimized by a pickpocket while in Paris yrs ago so I know it's a real problem. France is such a beautiful country. It's a shame that it has such a reputation for theft.

I got mine stolen at the Etienne Marcel metro. Not even busy at the time. I just wanna say I was shocked as I never left my phone alone for longer than 30 seconds. Be careful, folks, the pickpockets in Paris are everywhere and they are extremely skilled

Thank you for doing a PSA. FYI, Paris is not the only place where would be thieves of whatever stripe hang out. I use do live in Chicago. On one occasion I took a couple of people who were clients to a high end restaurant which, of course, was in a very chic high end area of the city. My purse was next to my feet with one foot on the strap. When I went to pay the bill, my billfold wasn't in my purse. I was astounded & could not imagine how someone had stolen my billfold. then I realized there had been a well dressed couple who had sat down at the table next to us.They seemed like a typical client in this establishment. However they had been served water & a bread basket while they were ostensibly looking over the menu. Then all of a sudden there had been some sort of ruckus & they had quickly gotten up & left. I figured they were the thieves. I arranged to return to the restaurant with a company credit card & left to go back to my office. I called the credit card company right away.They said they were about to contact me because I had been on quite a shopping spree starting on Michigan Ave & making purchases for several miles as they went from one store to another to the tune of several thousand dollars. I have also witnessed a couple of guys on a motorcycledrive up onto a sidewalk, slice the shoulder strap of a purse a woman was wearing & speed off.

YOu are smart & doing a great service for us. thx

Thanks so much for sharing all this information 🥰.

my friend nearly got robbed in the subway in Rome. Two young women blocked the doors to cause a jam and in the push one of them managed to open the zipper of my friends cross body bag that he was carrying in the front. He was lucky she couldn't open it more and push her hand inside. Very very close call. It happened so fast and he never noticed what was going on since he was totally distracted.

Thank you! Good information to know for anyplace, anytime. Always be aware of your surroundings, and if your gut is telling you something doesn’t seem quite right or safe, trust your instinct.

Great information! I love the real world examples!

Great video to make for your viewers! Thank you for sharing! 💕

Muji has beautiful stylish cases like yours. They have a bit more of an aesthetically pleasing look. The are only $10 here in the states

Thanks for making us aware reminding us to be alert! It’s such a shame to have to live like this

Paris has been known for pickpockets forever, there was even a movie about the profession in the 70's based in Paris and Rome...

Thanks for this video! I wear a moneybelt...for deep storage of my passport and extra credit cards and cash. It is not meant to be for a credit card that you will be using for that day's purchases. I wear a reinforced antitheft crossbody purse from Travelon for my phone, one credit card, a very small amount of cash, lipstick, and maybe a water bottle. Hoping to return to Paris this fall.

Definitely leave the headphones off until you're at home or in another safe location. It's so important we stay as aware of our surroundings as possible. Our ability to hear what's going on around us may be the one thing that gives a thief away before they have the chance to relieve us of our goods -- or worse. Example; A moped suddenly accelerating towards us, the crinkle of a shopping bag as someone moves in for the take, a warning shouted from a witness in a balcony above, someone running up from behind, a motorist honking to warn us of something sketchy taking place behind us ... While wearing earbuds and headphones in public we're more prone to be lost in thought, less aware of what's going on around us -- and thieves know it.

I have a lulu festival bag. They design is very good no one can get in it with out you knowing. 💋🇨🇦

Wow! We are planning a week in Paris in a month. This is so scary!! Thank you for bringing light to this issue. It shows how desperate people have become to rob innocents, even to the point of murder. Our world has become so hard. We will for sure never carry a wallet or phone in our pockets. I have liked and subscribed. Thank you and be safe, Katy from Mount Shasta, CA.

My son lived in France for a while after college and he was so innocent it is a miracle he was never pickpocketed. He did however lose his beloved bicycle. He had ridden it all over France for months, but it was stolen after barely a week in Paris. Bike theft is an industry there. He had the good lock, but made the mistake of locking it up outside a movie theater, which is a prime location for bike theft. Professional bike thieves can defeat the toughest lock in seconds.

I go to Paris every year. I'll be spending a month there this year. Widowed, and 69, I've been traveling solo since 2014 (my husband and I went to Paris 1-2x /year, prior to his death). Your advice is spot on! Many years ago, I saw the petition groups, and didn't fall for it. I'm surprised they're still trying that one! The "ring" scam is still going on, too. Another scam is someone with a map, asking for directions. While the target looks at the map, an accomplice steals the valuables. When I carry a purse, I don't carry a "regular wallet" in it. I have a very flat wallet (it was my husband's front pocket wallet) that I put in an inside zipper pocket of my purse (I don't buy purses without that inside zip pocket). That said, I still put only an ID and one credit card in it. With my Apple Watch, contactless payment is usually what I do, not having to pull out a wallet. I also carry my iPhone in a crossbody leather case made by Bandolier (less expensive ones can be found by shopping around). I wear that under my coat/jacket when out at night and I don't carry a purse when alone at night. There's a separate pouch that also attaches that I can use for my apartment key. For coins, I have a cute little coin purse that clips on to the outside of any purse I use, so I don't have to open anything up in public to retrieve coins. If someone steals that, there's less than 5 Euros in it. I now have an Apple AirTag that I put in my purse (usually on my keys) and that's another way to track a bag until someone tosses it. A friend of mine is coming to Paris for two weeks while I'm there. I told her, this isn't a style thing, but a safety thing -- don't carry those popular nylon travel purses that Americans love. Carry a leather purse, but not an expensive one. Avoid wearing anything with designer logos. I gave her a few clothing suggestions, too. I must be doing something right because I've been fortunate, so far. Of course, I don't go to touristic areas! I'm in a neighborhood environment. I do have to cross the Tuileries sometimes when I go from the Right Bank to the Left to visit friends.

My family went there and stayed at a place close to the official residence of the Prime Minister. Rue de Varenne is the name of the street, where one can see many police officers around. On the 1st night when we walked outside with a toddler in a buggy and a diaper bag hung on it, someone tried to steal the diaper bag, maybe he thought it was a handbag. The thief tried to slash the handle of the bag but instead, he slashed my husband’s finger, bled the whole night & it happened so fast. We are Asians, so we got a Vietnamese taxi driver refusing to take us, by pretending to not understand the street name when we told her where we were going. Then, a Parisian taxi driver practically shouted to us during the whole journey man, he really looked pissed. A lot of angry arrogant people in Paris, wouldn’t want to go there again!

One of my friend got his phone snatched in broad daylight in St. Denis. As nice as Paris is you should avoid some sketchy suburbs, some of them (especially St. Denis) look like 3rd world countries.

Phone was stolen while checking into Disney hotel. Looked in my wallet to get my passport someone got close to me and took my phone. The reception area was crowded with people checking in and character meet and greet. I could trace my phone saw all the places they went to but was unable to get it back. Filled report with Disney and police.

Great video full of awesome info. Don’t ever have anything in your pockets when you’re in any big city or crowded place anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a known pickpocket hotspot like Paris or Barcelona or not. A crossbody sling or belt pouch that keeps your belongings as close to you as possible like you have is a great option. Only carry what you need. If it’s not on you, it can’t be stolen. Never keep all your cards or cash with you when traveling either. If the worst happens you don’t want to be stranded with no way to pay for anything. Try to blend in with the locals. Don’t wear big fancy jewelry, have big name brand bags or wear fancy clothes. These things scream I have money and make you a target. Cellphones are the #1 most commonly stolen item in the world. Be very alert when you have to use your phone in public. Don’t ever have it out near the door on the bus or metro. Find a place that’s not in a crowd and don’t ever leave it laying out or unattended. If you want to be extra cautious keep an older phone after you upgrade and use that when you travel or you can get a cheap unlocked phone for less than $100 that will make you way less of a target than your iPhone 14 pro max or Galaxy S23 Ultra.

I live in Montpellier and I have a fanny pac and use it daily No more purses for me. I changed to it when i had a guy "fall" on me in the tram while i was sitting down and i could feel his hands trying to get inside my purse....he did not succeed.

There are also some crossbodies that have slash-proof straps and theft-proof zippers by Travelon.

Recently in Paris I used crossbody sling and it was great. Nothing in my pockets. But-practice before your trip. It took me 2 weeks in US to stop mindlessly sticking iPhone in my back pocket in airports, on buses, walking in public. While in Paris, no problem, but we did see a well-organized group of “shell game” con artists targeting Eastern European & Middle Eastern tourists at La place du Trocadéro. They had lookouts on mobile phones both for finding marks (suckers) and watching for police.

Pickpocketing is everywhere in major citées. Pickpocketing today is like it was yesterday. From the days of Charles Dickens. An art. Not some obvious sketchy person drawing attention to themselves. Never usually isolated.individuals. i got things stoeln in the US too. Not sure why foreigners to Paris get shocked

Great tips! Question: when you sit down at a cafe or restaurant, do you keep the fanny pack on as a cross-body or do you put it on your lap or ???

Ive had a situation where I was lucky I could see the man stealing my wallet in the corner of my eye. It was my own fault: I was carrying two heavy suitcases on the stairs while my handbag was open hanging on my left arm. I had my phone in there and because I had my headphones on which had cords, I left it open. I wasn't paying attention, my bag open and unprotected and listening to music: this was at least 11 years ago. Luckily, for some reason, I saw something moving in the corner of my eye and that was the man holding my wallet in his hand above my bag (he had already reached in) and then dropped it quickly in my bag when he saw me looking and said 'Sorry, sorry'. Haha, sorry for what, being an asshole and stealing my money because you don't work hard enough as me to earn money... I have no empathy at all for people that steal from others, its the lowest of the lowest. I've been living in Paris for 6 years and never got anything stolen, why? Buy a bag that you can strap around your shoulders in such a way that you can put the bag in front of you (always keep it in front of you!) , preferably with a zipper inside so its even harder for them to steal: always keep your phone in your bag and never in your hand or pockets (I heard a story once of an ex colleague who had her phone in her hand while in the metro and when the doors opened, somebody grabbed it out of her hands and ran!) and always keep your hand or hands on your bag while you are travelling and its really crowded and people are closing you in. These are my tips, never got anything stolen (yet!)

I was attacked by a group of Roma girls in Paris, tried to steal my phone but I saw them coming and put it in my bag before they could reach me. As I was leaving they went for my neck and strangled me. I ran. I'm French and I know that going to the police station would've been a loss of time as they were teenagers, so unlikely to face any legal repercussion.

I highly recommend pacsafe theft proof bags.

A few years ago my granddaughter was picked pocketed in Paris!!!!

Would a theft proof backpack by Travelon work to carry snacks and water? It has locking zippers and it’s slash proof. Or is it still better put it in front of you?

At the Sacré-Cœur Basilica beware when exiting the funicular or at the top of the stairs if you take the stairs up, i save myself and my friend when i saw a group of alleged « deaf » women swarming us for donations, i immediately knew what they were doing and when i screamed at my friend what was happening well surprise the women were not deaf anymore ! and started being belligerent we bolted out of there fast. Also « phantom » taxi just like in NYC they exist in Paris go taken by one at CDG, i was tired from my flight and didn’t pay attention to the car i wad getting in i only realize once we were on the highway ! Ended up costing me 120€ to get to my hotel ! From now on i take the Roissy bus shuttle or the train !

I’ve lived in Paris, one experience was enough. 28y in France & I still hold everything in front of me hands on zip, vigilant ready to confront... logic. But nice to see the kids are doing the same.

Alone in the metro at night. Why? Also wearing earphones. NO There are ways to be safer

I’m from Oakland California. Not happening to me 😅

They have them in Greece 🇬🇷 too unfortunately.

can you put a decoy in your back pocket decoy wallet with fake cards and use anti theft bag with rfid blocking Slash resistant straps and use a padlock on your bag

ALSO ... Istanbul... a group of women jumped out of a car to grab my mother's bag. They tried to hit me with their car. Not my first rodeo. These were arab women (head cover...very pretty). I thought it was a group of ladies out for a day of Shopping. You're right. You never know.

Yes in Paris ad Italy the pick pocket is being perpetrated by the Roma and Arabians mostly and a few others. They do it with THE WHOLE FAMILY!!! Europe needs to send them back if they are refusing to work!

How are you feeling? And when are you moving!

I also lost mine 😟

If I'm in Paris during the colder months, I always wear my crossbody under my coat and nothing the pockets of my coat.

I got my phone pickpocketed in Paris last year.

They could cut the strap on your Lululemon bag just like a crossbody purse . They two teen girls tried to get my sister on a crowded metro but I realized what they were up to so they were unsuccessful and they got off ASAP .

Thank you so much for this video. How do people then take pictures in Paris if there is a constant fear of their phone or camera being stolen?

i know an actual parisian that got his backpack stolen so it is rampant and indiscriminant!

Why don't Paris at least have a police patrol permanently placed in these places at the center to protect the people ?

When I worked as a tour guide we had a story that happened to one of our guides and kept telling it to everyone so they might learn. It happened in Naples (Napoli) Italy. All the guests were told not to wear any valuables but of course an elderly gentleman didn’t listen and went out with his big shiny expensive Rolex on his wrist. He was attacked rather soon with the typical scooter method (the guy speeds by your side and grabs everything he can from your neck, hands, arms etc. This particular gentleman was fighting for his watch and in the end his wrist was broken to get it off! Totally not worth it!

Not just Paris

If I lived there I’d use an old flip phone to avoid the paranoia. Lol

I will fight for my Iphone, do not see a reason to give it, because most people do not kill you for a phone, in Europe it is rare

Not sure why Paris is being singled out. Most of the major cities in the world have pickpocketers. This has been going on for centuries.

Don't think I'll be going to Paris

It's not just Paris. It's everywhere. All you're doing in this video is fear-mongering!!!!🙄