When you see random guys visiting places alone (no friends, no family) and not impressed by anything (just looking at people).. Watch out... :/

The biggest concentration of pickpockets I’ve seen, was in Lisbon and areas around e.g. Cascais. They were always Eastern European Gypsy. Men work alone with a coat over the arm. Women work in pairs or groups with scarves tied to their bags. They use these to hide what they’re doing. I wore anti pickpocket underwear there. It had pockets big enough for the passports! I foiled 2 women by screaming at them much to my daughter’s embarrassment. You can recognise them all easily if you are vigilant. They walk round pretending to take photos. At picturesque view points, they’re facing away from the view because they’re watching the people. Other places I’ve seen pickpockets include a palace in Genoa, Plaza de Espana in Seville- that was crawling with them. There was even a young man dressed as a priest with 2 female accomplices, Rome, the Paris scammers and Porto down by the river in the centre. The only problem with pickpocket spotting is makes you consumed with anger and stress which doesn’t really endear you to your fellow travellers- it does mean they don’t get pickpocketed tho.

I spent almost 3 weeks in and throughout Italy. My last day in Italy, I was outside Roma Termini when 3 guys surrounded me. They acted like they were drunk, bumping into me and shouting in my face. It was about 5am and still dark so my adrenaline was pumping. I pushed them away and walked quickly into the termini, checked my pockets and found my pocket empty where my phone should be. It's a bummer.

Since my husband and I have been traveling to Europe for the last few years, I have been watching your videos. Because we have watched your videos, we have yet to be robbed because although we are having a good time we remain vigilant and don't do crazy stuff like hanging my purse on the chair ( it's always around me or hanging on my knee wrapped AND hooked around my foot) when in restaurants. I would like to add one more. When traveling thru Europe by train, don't carry a suitcase that you can't handle by yourself. You make yourself a target for folks who troll the train stations "offering to help" put the bags up on the train for you. Of course they will turn around and want a handout. Just remember you can always wash your clothes in Europe. There is no need to carry your entire wardrobe from the home.

I saw a thief operating on the beach. Recognised him from the previous day. I thought he must be a tourist from our beach hotel at first. I layed on the beach put my sunglasses next to me and went to sleep. There was no one else near me. I woke up and as I looked up, this person came up to me quickly as if they were bending for the glasses. They saw I was awake and disappeared quickly. I watched them from a distance and sure enough he was pinching items, bags, clothes etc and ran off into the hotel car park. I never took valuable items to the beach again.

Yes, pickpockets blend in but watch out for groups of kids hanging around an attraction or shopping street. Also and this may sound funny but a typical pickpocket profile is the solo gentleman on public trans or attraction with a jacket draped over his arm or perhaps his coat hanging off just one shoulder. No backpack, no camera, no bags. A pub owner in Lisbon told me this. The coat is used to hide what his other hand is doing obviously.

Your scams and warnings videos are the best. 👍

Something that happened to a friend and me in Rome - Fontana di Trevi - there are ALWAYS pickpockets there, since it's always crowded!!!): We were taking pictures of each other at the fountain when a random guy came up to us and asked if we want him to take a picture of us with our camera. We declined, of course. After he left two police officers came up to us and asked us if that man wanted to take a picture for us; after we said "yes" they warned us to NEVER EVER let someone take our camera (or smartphone) from us to have our picture taken. Because those guys will eather run away with them, or they have a second guy that'll rob you WHILE the other one is taking your picture (or pretends to). So really watch out for seemingly "helpful" people.

We were in Paris at the Gare du Lyon preparing to catch a TGV for Bezier in the south of France. The section of the station from where the TGV leave is very busy and because so many trains leave during an entire day, they tend to load the trains fairly close to the departure time and this always creates a crush of passengers. My wife is very perceptive and intuitive and she could see several pickpockets sussing the crowd and picking likely victims. When boarding for the train was announced the gates to les voies were immediately over whelmed. Older men and younger men are great victims because they're inattentive. Women on the other hand worry about everything such as their husbands, and children and tickets, and purses and luggage and the disorganized or confused ones stick out like a sore thumb. When the trains load the pickpockets spring into action. Try not to get bunched up in a crowd otherwise they'll go for you . Pay attention and watch your belongings. They are always there in the big cities. This is their job and they're good at it.

I had that happen to me at one of the metro stations in Berlin, the method of action was some guy offered my friend and me to buy drugs, when we refused he continued to follow us while disturbing us, once we got to the metro station it was like from a movie: the pickpocket went to a group of people up the stairs, while we were going up that group surrounded us starting to play drums and make a lot of noise while in parallel to that someone tried to snatch my glasses off my face. it all seemed strange and meaningless until we got to the metro and saw we had our phones stolen, from the front pocket in skinny jeans without feeling ANYTHING.

Reminds me of Inspector Cleaseau when he walks into hotel in Rome and a well dressed guy says can I take your hat, your coat and your briefcase..and walks out the hotel with it..😂

I’m currently in Rome and there are street vendors who approach you to shake your hand, pull in for a hug and one guy even touched my bf’s stomach after he refused to shake his head. There are guys handing out roses to women and push people to accept them to take it by saying they’re giving it to you . They don’t give up! You must ignore and walk away!

Hi Mark, a little additional tip for tourist in my Milam: at the Central Station and plaza Duca d'Aosta situation has improved very much since Expo, there is a constant State Police, Local Police and Carabinieri watch out, but still you can find guys that with no reason, or title, want to help you buy train tickets at the automatic machines. In case ask them to go away or call the police, never let them "help" you! Never let them stand behind you while purchasing tickets! Be warned!

Thanks for the post. Last year after arriving at Paris Gare du Norde from London, I was approached by a younger man on the subway who said he was undercover police and told me to be alert, because seniors are targeted. He told me to check my wallet to make sure everthing was fine. I felt my front pocket and said, everything is fine after feeling my wallet. What an idiot I was. When we got off ot the train, my wallet was gone and the the first day and a half in Paris was ruined. We had 5 US dollars to our name. PLEASE be alert people. I though I was prepared, I guess I was wrong.

In any city anywhere, if you’re sitting by the doors in a subway/metro train, be aware of anything visible that someone could grab and dart out the doors with just before they close. For example, don’t hold up your phone without a very firm grip on it if you’re by the doors.

Another informative video Mark, keep them coming.

Stockholm, Frankfurt and Oslo Central Station, Paris by the museums and Eiffel Tower, Barcelona up and down Las Ramblasand the metro . Tourists beware

So, everywhere. Got it. great video Mark! I’m going to Scotland in 5 days, and your videos really help

Pickpockets and scammers are.ALL over the world. I have traveled a lot by myself as well.as with family. Keep to yourself and enjoy the sights. Don't showoff by wearing fancy clothes , jewellery and being noticeable. Thanks for the great tips. Happy travels everyone !!

Good advice, Thank you Mark!

Good video. I was in the Paris metro today, was definitely thinking about those pickpockets!

Big hi all at Woltersworld! Keep up the great work. Had a great time - want to tell you all about it!! Thanks for all your helpful advice

Thanks so much for posting these videos! Very useful information.:)

At Metro stations pickpockets don't just target the train platforms - in the wealthier countries those areas are monitored by CCTV. I got pinched on the stairway exiting a station in Paris. The guy just snuck up behind me. I noticed a tugging in my pocket. I shouted and spun around to face him but after I did so another guy popped up right in my face, flashed a wallet and asked me if it was mine. I saw the thief running down the stairs but I couldn't pursue because his partner was blocking my path and insisting on "helping" me. All they got was a cellphone. If they take your cellphone you should report it to your carrier immediately. If there is a chance that you have apps which might allow a thief to gain access to your bank accounts they you should contact the company making the operating system (usually Apple or Google and have the operating system wiped. That leaves the thief with a useless hunk of plastic and silicon.

Great videos, really new refreshing content.

Swiper, no swiping!

this is so helpful. thanks for all the tips!!!

Great video Mark! A lot of my friends and family don't understand how prevalent pickpockets are around the world so I will have to share this with them so they can understand.

Several years ago my brother and I were visiting Boston. My brother wanted to ride the subway train. There were several people on the train. When we got off another guy got off too and we didn’t think anything of it. Soon the guy bumped into my brother and asked him for money. My brother said “sure, buddy” and gave him a ten dollar bill and my brother was very nice to the guy who looked at my brother for a few seconds and then said “thanks” and walked off. That could have been very dangerous what it the guy had a knife? I think my brother’s reaction saved us from trouble. It was plain when the guy was looking at my brother after he gave him the money that the guy was deciding what to do next and he just walked away after saying thanks. I think the fact that my brother was nice and friendly to the guy was what made him leave.

What I find strange is how pickpockets seem so prevalent in Europe. I am 66 years old and have not known a person here in the states that has been a victim of a pickpocket. I am not saying it does not happen, but it's never talked about or mentioned to be looking out for. It never crosses my mind when I am out in public and I do a lot of traveling here in the states. It's more of a cultural thing I think. In Spain, if you get caught being a pickpocket the fine is 400 euros or less if you stole less than 400 euros. If you you steal more than 400 euros then you can go to prison. Most people don't walk around with 400 euros, so most of the pickpockets are only subjected to a small fine. It is considered the cost of doing business. Many pickpockets have been caught numerous times. It does not stop them as the crime of being a pickpocket in Spain goes for the most part unpunished. I don't know about the other countries in europe but I suspect their laws mimic what's in Spain. I was also told that adults will train children to pickpocket as nothing can be done to punish the children. So watch out for kids as well while in europe. Truly a sad state of affairs. I think training a child to be a thief should be a major felony.

My sister, mother and I went for a vacation to Prague. The hotel workers actually had the guts to enter our room while we are sleeping and try to rob us. They got away. We reported to the hotel manager and police but both were crap :( the hotel was 4 stars!!!!! We moved to another hotel.

Just found your channel and loving it!

Thanks you for all the tips and advise. It works 💯

thanks for all the tips sir. ill be leaving for Paris next Thursday and this is all great information.

I was just at the Vatican on the 3rd! :D It would have been so cool to meet you, I'm a big fan. Thanks for the tips. :)

On the beach: You can use one of those waterproof "capsules" that go on a cord around your neck. It holds at least your money as well as keys and some other items. You just wear it into the water. No problem.

The female that is walking in front of you, then suddenly stops walking so you bump into her, and then instantly a guy bumps into your back. That guy bumping into you is that females boyfriend and he is going into your backpack.

Oh yeah, train stations - Frankfurt central station in germany is kinda bad. I pinned down a pickpocket who was discovered and running away (hey, I'm too fat to chase him, but making him run into something heavy -me- made him stop and I was able to pin him down until police arrived) A couple of months ago a duo tried to steal my wallet - one tried to distract me while the other one behind me tried to pull my wallet. A split second later I turned around, punched his face, probably broke his jaw and he surely felt he was doing wrong. The other guy then hurriedly pulled him away from me and they got away - without my wallet. On the beach we found an easy way to avoid being robbed last summer - we were on a cruise in the mediterranean sea, and everywhere we went to the beach we found people who were from the same ship as we - easily recognizable by the standard white/yellow striped towels you can rent on the ship. You literally saw clusters of identical towels on the beach and it was ni problem at all to find someone watching your stuff. :-)

Anybody else looking through that crowd of tourists in the background trying to work out which ones are pickpockets?

While in Milano Centrale, there was a helper who tried to carry our luggage. Once the luggage had landed on the right spot, he demanded some money. My dad gave him 2Euros from his pocket and afterward, he demanded more. After 30 sec, when we tried to put our luggage down, there were these 2 ladies one who told my dad the luggage have to be up (she said space at down is meant for baby stroller) and another who were asking for direction. As the luggage is too heavy to be carried up, my dad asked me to help. The first lady tried to grab something on my mom's handbag and another lady on my bag. Luckily, my mom can feel the movement and clever enough to pull it back. And my purse was gone with the zip opened from my sling bag. They already planned the strategy and tried to distract by offering some help or asking help.

When travelling , it is a good idea to buy clothes that have very good strong zippers on the pockets , I also take very strong baby safety pins that clip shut and use them also on my pockets , they are almost impossible to open in a hurry also carry more than one bank card in a different pocket so if you lose one , you will not be stranded

great video ! !!! The best way to travel not to be scared but informed ..the worst place we found for pickpockets was the train station in Paris getting on the metro after arriving from london never again next time taking a taxis or hiring a driver

You should advertise PACSAFE products too. LOL great video. Thanks for your tips. Please also comment on the most common ethnicity of the pickpockets in Italy.

I had a guy in Paris who found a ring at my feet.then he said that I can keep the ring I was a bit confused and then he asked if I have a few euros for a coffee then I clued in to the situation

I read somewhere that in a mall in Russia pickpockets put up a sign saying "beware of pickpockets" and then watched people reacting to the sign, usually by touching the pockets where they keep their valuables.

I always carry my cash, passport and credit card in a wallet that hangs around my neck inside my shirt. Then I wear an empty back pack on the front of my body maybe with a couple of bottles of water in it, I hold my arms around the back pack holding my camera, with the strap around my neck. I have never had a problem with pick pockets.

Use caution, but don't freak out... common sense and the appearance of calm will do wonders.

Always keep an emergency 50 euros in your shoe, I'd love to see a pickpocket get it. Also Keep money in many pockets. preferably inside pockets

I am obsessed with your videos bro

Thank you for making this video. I try to never be an open target.

Someone tried to steal my phone when I was in Brussels, but caught them red handed, and actually got the phone back!

I was attempted at being robbed on the London Underground, I thought it was just a grope but when I got home my purse was sliced all the way along the bottom and the bag which it was in was also sliced all the way along the bottom, i was less than happy!

great tips 😃

Pickpockets like to gather in very crowded areas like fairs,carnivals, circuses, anything that attract a lot of people! Ticket kiosks and atms, markets and bazaars especially are hotspots for pick pockets! Pick pockets can be in your convenient grocery store too

i got pickpocketed at roma termini metro station! dang, theyre good.... and fast!

Thanks for the video. We are going to Europe in autumn.

Was in the Rome Metro our first day and as I was getting into the Metro I felt a hand trying to get into my pocket. I had zippered pockets so she couldn’t do it. She was shocked as hell when I grabbed her wrist and screamed at her. Zippered pockets are the way to go.

I love you and your. Channel

Going to Nairobi: I was warned not to leave the airport with anyone other than my sister (who I was going to visit). Don't let anyone help me with my bags. (They'd steal them). Not to accept drinks from anyone on public transport. You'd think you could trust a sealed package, but a syringe could be used to added ketamine... Some tourists would wake up naked in the ditch. No luggage. No clothes. No money. No passport. Those were my scammer warnings my sister gave me the night before my flight to Africa. A timed, 3 minute call. I had 0 trust for strangers and was very happy when I saw my sister and her husband when I cleared customs.

Hi Mark. Given the present pandemic, any chance this will dampen the petty crime rate in tourist areas? More power!

Thanks for sharing 😋 am off to Rome in October so I'll take all your tips on board

I lived in Paris for some time and this petition people were so, so annoying. Hated them a lot. Also, I went to the Louvre with two friends and one of them actually had their phone stolen there. One really should watch out for pickpockets there. Oh and pickpockets also love Montmartre. One of my friends had her purse stolen there. Well, sort of. Her boyfriend ran after the pickpicket and got the purse back.

Mark, do you take a hidden wallet or use one of those small minimalist front pocket wallets? And how bad or serious is RFID theft in Europe?

Cool videos keep it up

Yes, idd they look like normal people. In barcelona we had a robber asking for the direction to the beach in french. We tried to explain it in our best french, only to realise that his mate took my friends bag while we were talking to the other guy.

Great advice. Any of the tips can be applied in the BIG cities in the states too. Pickpocketing is an international thing. I love your videos. Ty.

I'm not affiliated with any brands, but my gf carries a PacSafe purse. The strap is reinforced with a steel cable, so it can't be snatched, and the zippers are locked in place so opening it is a chore. Plus, she always carries this purse under her arm. And of course, if we see someone suspicious, we walk away. For instance, we wanted to visit a park in Bologna. There were two entrances. Each entrance had some african refugee-type dude on a BMX with a drug-dealer-type flip-phone and a walkie-talkie, talking to his identical refugee buddy on a walkie-talkie at the other entrance. They literally looked like they were preying on their next victim. Well, we decided not to go and went the next day. Using common sense goes a long way. I have a fancy watch, but whenever I travel, I leave it at home and wear my cheapo 40$ Timex or a lame, scratched Casio. We never had anything stolen.

On a crowded bus headed to the Vatican - the voice of experience.

Very handy tips Thank you 👍

My first trip out of the country I took SO many precautions I had a no slash purse over the shoulder and while in the Vatican post office someone stole my designer wallet (worth $50) with 50 euros in it. It sucked.

Love your videos. I been traveling to Europe 2nd year in a row. I'm definitely getting a money belt for paris. Germany was pretty safe.

Our pull along(case) was stolen on the ICE train between Köln and Utrecht, embarrassing to say my husband had put the haversack with our passports inside the case, only haversack with passports recovered 2mths later in Germany. We were stuck in Holland for 1 week, waiting for an emergency passport to get back to South Africa. PS: rather take turns taking a nap. Be Alert whilst travelling, expensive lesson learnt.......

Is phone theft a major issue or is it mostly cash that is being pickpocketed?

What about walking around with a camera, all tourists have them, should I get a compact camera that can fit in my pocket or something, or get a dslr/bridge type which pretty much seems to me everyone can see clearly when you carry one of those? (I'm not taking super fancy or expensive, but I do like to take nice pictures).

Been in Rome the past few days. I watched this video before coming and got a small sling tactical bag that is on my chest with all my important stuff and phone inside the bag or in my front pocket with my hand covering it.

Once your wallet is gone, don't bother trying to get it back. These people work in teams and it's likely been passed off to a second person. Anyone suddenly jumping forward to "help" you is also likely part of the team and their job is to stall and confuse you. And do you really want to angrily confront the thief and his knife-carrying team which will quickly surround you? Just say "adios" to your wallet and accept the loss as tuition in the school of life.

Wolters I follow you since before pickpocketers stolen your hair. 😀😎🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Wolters has done a few videos about Picketing in Europe. The word place I've ever known by far is Jakarta in Indonesia on Bus's and public transport.

Hey, have you ever travelled by ferry from place to place in Europe? I'm contemplating Rome to Barcelona but worried if it'll be long/ exhausting! Thanks

I used to have a crocheted little pouch that had a strap that fit on my bra strap and it was a great "safe".

Anywhere there are crowds. Anywhere people can get into physical contact with you. Remember: many pickpockets are very skilled at their art.

I put my money in my bra, anyone trying to go there will lose their hand, and lord knows what else they going to lose.

Anyone anywhere getting within a metre or so from me and I'm already on guard... never been robbed in vacation. But then again 9 out of 10 times I look like the pickpocket, so that might be helping me.

About the beach location, I used to surf for many years. The only things we would take were our IDs & 1credit card. We would take that stuff and seal it in a ziplock bag and stuff it into our wet-suit.

More places where pickpockets rob tourists: At airports At hotel lobbies

We watched your videos, before heading to Rome. My wife even gave a potential pickpocket a fright 🤣

Sir, India is waiting for you :) Come soon please :)

As a girl I can't wear a bag under my clothes. What would u recommend a strap bag over my chest?

Carrying my shopping in Printemps magazins I sat in restaurant and had lunch ..finished I went to the bathroom .. then I put my parcels under the wash basin to wash my hands finished I saw missing parcels .. what is this ? I swear never to travel again and to watch Paris or Rome on TV while I am on my couch

A friend told me that on Copacabana Beach in Rio (I've never been there), thieves literally rip jewelry off of you.

"People will go in and change their clothes and leave their stuff outside, or they leave their stuff inside the dressing room and then they'll go show their friend..." My mother did this. BOOM. Never saw her wallet again. This was Barcelona in Spain, a few years back.

Me and my friend went for a walk in Berlin and she had a small sling bag with only her phone. By the time we reached home her bag and the phone was gone . We didn't even stop or sit anywhere. It was just gone from her back. Maybe snapped off.

Try get a coat with inside pockets and put all your valuables in there. Also try not too put things in jean pockets

Also, theres these people also in Paris that put a garment around your hands, from adults to even kids. I have been a victim of it but managed to escape. I think they're trying to pickpocket us.

Good advise. I lost count of how many times you pushed your glasses up.

So I guess I won't be checking out Champs Élysées, i guess? since it is a target area for pick pocketers..... I bought a money clip will that work to prevent pick pocketers?

I can't believe those scoems operate in a such sacred city...

nb, The phrase used in the security industry is "Trust them don't temp them"

One of the best deterrents is an anti-theft purse & wallet. You can't let your guard down but with locking zippers, it certainly would make it very difficult for them to try. Stainless steel web inner straps so again, makes it hard to slash off from you. I never leave home without mine. Won't win any fashion statements but at least I am coming home with my passport and $.

In Ormoc City, Philippines shopping mall someone tried to steal from my wife's bag. In Robinson's Mall, Ermita, Philippines twice someone taped me on the shoulder from behind and said ''I'm security at your hotel.''