According to The Sun, pickpocket gangs at crowded tourist attractions often operate in an organized manner, creating "accidental" collisions to distract attention and then approach to take items. Based on real-life experiences, Mr. Ly Dat Thu (31 years old), who is studying and working as a tour guide in Rome, Italy, and Mr. Nguyen Anh Lukas, a Vietnamese photographer in France, share 4 ways to help tourists keep their belongings safe when traveling in Europe.
Be extremely vigilant at stations and on the subway.
Mr. Nguyen Anh Lukas said that thieves often take advantage of the moment you pass through the ticket gate: when tourists are busy looking for tickets or struggling to walk through the gate, they approach like a passenger squeezing from behind to pickpocket things. At the station, be wary of people suddenly approaching, approaching or “falling” into you – it could be a setup.
According to Mr. Ly Dat Thu, we need to be especially careful with groups of women who pretend to be pregnant or carry large black bags to cover their hands when doing their business. They usually go in groups of 3-5 people, dress a bit shabbily and often wait in line at crowded stations.
On the subway, stand close to the closed doors, away from the opening doors. It’s best to stand with your back against a wall (away from people), so you only have to look in front and to the sides. If you’re traveling in a group, remind everyone to watch their pockets; pickpockets often target crowded cars.
Dress simply, limit showing off
According to Lukas, tourists are often easily recognized because of their colorful clothes, branded goods and lack of self-preservation, making them easy targets right at the airport. Thieves can distract attention and then "grab" backpacks and bags right from the luggage cart.
The advice is to dress modestly, looking as local as possible. If you want to mix and match fashion or bring a lot of branded items for photo shoots, you should book a technology taxi to move instead of using public transport.
Don't be so absorbed in taking pictures
“When you need someone to take your photo, you should look for groups of Korean, Japanese, Chinese tourists or ask Western tourists who are traveling in family groups,” said Ly Dat Thu. However, observe carefully before handing over your phone.
When taking selfies, hold the camera steady and be aware of your surroundings. A phone strap will help keep you safer in a fast-moving crowd.
Wear your backpack in front, minimize important items
Wear a backpack or a crossbody bag with a zipper and place it in front of your chest. “Do not put your phone and important documents in the side pockets of your jacket, because just 1 second of carelessness will make you lose them,” said Nguyen Anh Lukas.
In your backpack, you should only carry light and low-value items such as water bottles, tissues, scarves, and thin windbreakers. Mr. Ly Dat Thu emphasized: do not leave important documents in your backpack when going out; it is best to keep them in your room to avoid complicated procedures if lost.
Carry only a small amount of cash and keep it in a place where you can always control it. When spending, prioritize using cards or electronic wallets on your phone to limit risks.
Summary
Pickpocketing often happens after seemingly random collisions in crowds. Staying calm, standing in a “safe” position on the train, dressing modestly, not taking photos and always wearing a bag on your chest are simple but effective steps to protect your belongings when visiting popular destinations in Europe.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/rome-va-chau-au-4-cach-tranh-moc-tui-noi-dong-khach-10313113.html
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