Keep your valuables close — or secure them properly
If Rick Steves can be pickpocketed in the Paris Metro, so can you. Granted, the travel expert had only been a victim of pickpocketing once, but that’s already one too many. He admitted that he let his guard down at the time and didn’t have his trusty money belt, resulting in him losing valuable items.
To avoid finding yourself in a similar situation, keep your belongings as close to your body as possible. Use a money belt when you can, or at least stash your cash and cards in a secure location that no one else can access. Steves’ advice is to operate on the assumption that there’s a stealthy bandit nearby, so it’s a must that you keep your bag or luggage in a place where you can keep a close eye on it. If you stow it in a luggage rack, one good tip is to tie your backpack straps to the rack so it won’t get swiped easily. You may also want to secure your bag further by locking it with a paper clip or a key ring if a portable lock isn’t available.
If you’re riding a sleeper train and need to rest, it would be in your best interest to tether your belongings to your seat or your body. And if you have electronics, make sure that they’re always attached to you as well. This is where things like lanyards, straps, and hoops come in handy.
Be wary of disturbances
Thieves employ tons of tactics to sneakily snatch items from people. According to Rick Steves, one common method is creating a commotion to serve as a distraction. With many of them working as a tandem or a group, one may cause a stir to get commuters to look elsewhere, while the other springs into action and starts a swiping spree. It can be as innocuous as a stranger bumping into you or someone purposely spilling their beverage. With this in mind, you’ll want to remain attentive at all times, and avoid resorting to panic when there’s a disturbance.
What’s more, Steves notes that more often than not, pickpockets are dressed inconspicuously, mirroring everybody else. Chances are, they’re dressed just like you. “The sneakiest pickpockets look like well-dressed businesspeople. Some pose as tourists, with daypacks, cameras, and even a Rick Steves guidebook,” he told USA Today. “You’ll meet a lot of people with beautiful eyes, beautiful children, and sad stories — but many beggars are pickpockets. Don’t be fooled by impressive uniforms, femme fatales, or hard-luck stories.”
Exercising caution and staying vigilant is the key to safely navigating even the busiest of Europe’s subways. As long as you stay aware of what’s happening around you, you’ll get by just fine.
