Which destination is the 'champion'?

A new report by Quotezone (a company specializing in insurance comparisons) titled "The Pickpocketing Index in Europe" reveals that thousands of tourists have been victims of theft and pickpocketing while visiting the continent's top destinations.

The report was compiled from data related to pickpocketing on Tripadvisor, the world's largest online travel advisory site; numerous Western newspapers also cited the information.

10 European countries with the most rampant pickpocketing.

Theft can happen anywhere, and tourist hotspots are the most convenient targets for criminals because tourists are always busy sightseeing and taking photos.

"Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome have always been favorite operating spots for pickpockets because they can move discreetly through crowded areas," said Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.

Although Barcelona is often considered a hotspot for pickpocketing, Spain did not make it into the top 5.

Instead, Italy takes the top spot, and some of the most popular tourist attractions in this beautiful country, such as Venice, Rome, and Milan, are "headquarters" for thieves.

Traveler reviews on Tripadvisor about the Colosseum in Rome, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon all mention items being stolen.

The most common "technique" is to distract and get tourists off-putting before stealing their belongings. Pickpockets operate in pairs or groups, one attracting the tourist's attention while the other steals the bag.

The Duomo di Milano cathedral in Milan and the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence are also popular spots for pickpockets.

France takes second place on the list, most notably at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Netherlands is the third worst pickpocketing destination in Europe, while Germany ranks fourth. Greece is fifth, while Spain and Portugal are in sixth and seventh place, respectively. Türkiye, Ireland, and Poland are all in the top 10.

Barcelona's Las Ramblas pedestrian street was once ranked as the worst place for pickpocketing. Many tourists are distracted by street performers and can become easy targets for opportunists.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is crowded with tourists from early morning until late at night.

According to Quotezone: Travelers should always be vigilant, keeping valuables, such as expensive jewelry, in hotel safes and always carrying a secure, zippered crossbody bag to protect their phones and wallets. Try never to leave personal belongings behind, as travel insurance companies require 'reasonable care' of personal belongings and may refuse claims if they deem carelessness necessary. It's crucial to remember to report theft to the police, as this will aid in insurance claims.

Additionally, remember to carefully check what is and isn't covered in your travel insurance policy before traveling to the aforementioned top European destinations. Most travel insurance policies cover important documents like passports but rarely cover stolen cash or mobile phones.

Tourists should withdraw money from ATMs located away from major attractions and always be mindful of other people around them when doing so.

If you are robbed, call and cancel the card as soon as possible, then go to the police station to report it. You should also check your wallet or bag in trash cans and drains near where it was stolen, as some pickpockets only take cash or unlocked old-style phones and will quickly discard everything else.

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