Avoiding Pickpockets: Essential Tips for Travelers

This Kind of Thing Doesn’t Happen to Us

As a frequent travelers who have explored over 50 countries, my wife and I pride ourselves on being cautious and aware. We’ve wandered crowded markets in Marrakech, navigated the chaotic streets of Bangkok, strolled through bustling souks in Istanbul and rambled Las Ramblas in Barcelona—all while avoiding notorious pickpockets. Until the day it finally happened to us in Trastevere, Rome, during what should have been an idyllic meal at a charming restaurant.

We had just finished enjoying our cacio e pepe with a few glasses of Chianti when my wife reached for her wallet to pay (we take turns treating one another!). That’s when we realized her wallet was gone—along with 300 euros. My heart sank. A wave of disbelief and anger washed over me. How could this happen? We’re careful, after all! But as I quickly learned, even the most seasoned traveler isn’t immune.

What Happened?

The scene was classic Trastevere: cobblestone streets, vibrant energy, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the lively atmosphere. We were seated at an outdoor table with her bag, a small fashionable leather backpack, hanging from the back of my chair. We had hung the bag from my chair because I was on the interior of the cafe and we reasoned that it was unlikely that someone could grab the bag and run off without me beating them to a pulp. I thought I was keeping an eye on the bag, but I must have let my guard down for a moment. That’s all it took for someone to slip the wallet out of the bag. Rookie mistake!

In hindsight, the clues were there. A couple of passerby had bumped into my chair, and a waiter seemed unusually chatty and distracted. But I brushed off my suspicions, caught up in the charm of the moment.

Lessons Learned: Precautions Every Traveler Should Take

1. Choose Your Bag Wisely
   Invest in an anti-theft bag with zippers that lock or require extra effort to open. Sling bags or crossbody bags worn in front of your body are much safer than backpacks or bags placed on the ground.
2. Consider a money belt or hidden pouch that can be worn beneath your clothing.
3. Keep Essentials Separate
   Never carry all your cash and cards in one place. Keep only what you need for the day in your wallet, and stash the rest in a secure location, like a hotel safe.
4. Secure Your Table Items
   When dining outdoors or in busy areas, never leave your bag on the ground or hanging on the back of a chair. Loop it around your leg or use a bag hook to keep it secure.
5. Be Mindful of Distractions
   Pickpockets often work in teams, with one person distracting you while another strikes. If someone lingers too close, engages you in conversation, or creates a commotion, be extra alert.
6. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
   Crowded areas are prime hunting grounds for pickpockets. Keep your bag close and zipped at all times and avoid pulling out large amounts of cash in public.
7. Have a Backup Plan
   Always carry copies of your important documents, like your passport and ID and contact numbers for your credit card. Store them separately from your wallet. Consider using travel insurance to cover lost funds or belongings.
8. Only carry the minimum that you need. Don’t carry all of your cash and credit cards with you when you leave the hotel. Use the hotel safe.

A Silver Lining

Losing 300 euros wasn’t fun, but the experience reminded me that even seasoned travelers can make mistakes. It also reinforced the importance of staying adaptable and not letting a bad moment ruin an otherwise incredible trip.

If you’re ever pickpocketed, don’t panic. Take immediate action by canceling credit cards, reporting the theft to the local police, and reaching out to your embassy if necessary. Then, try to see it as a lesson learned, not just a loss. We had a good laugh about this one and put it behind us.

Trastevere remains one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome, and I’ll still go back to its charming streets and trattorias—just a little more cautiously next time.

Travel well, my friends! And remember, staying aware doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the journey. It’s all about balance.