TripAdvisor -- Beware of the
Top 10 Places for having your Pocket Picked
According to TripAdvisor, the world's most popular and largest travel community, visitors would do well to watch their bags in the top 10 cities below:
1. Barcelona, Spain: Watch out for the Las Ramblas, the famous wide, pedestrian walkway full of life, music, and people, as it is the perfect place to get your purse poached.
2. Rome, Italy: Rome is full of both tourists and incredible things to sightsee making it easy for a pickpocket to lift a camera or purse with a quick snip of scissors or some clever handiwork with a zipper.
3. Prague, Czech Republic: There are thousands of tourists who crowd the ancient stones on the Charles Bridge each year, this makes it a perfect recipe for pickpocketing so make sure you strap down your valuables.
4. Madrid, Spain: Watch out at the El Rastro fleamarket as this is a crowded area that attracts unfriendly pickpocket schemes.
5. Paris, France: Be careful in the city's metro system as it is crowded with travelers and pickpocketers.
6. Florence, Italy: When admiring Michelangelo's creation, or at its replica in busy Piazza della Signoria, be alert that others may have their attention on your wallet.
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Very busy outdoor attractions that attract thieves waiting to help the weary traveler.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands: It is easy to get carried away with all of the fun things to do but pickpocketers have been known to take advantage of countless tourists in this enchanting city.
9. Athens, Greece: Whether visiting the Parthenon on the Acropolis, or anything else in this magnificent historic city, keep the bags close to the vest while your eyes admire the rest.
10. Hanoi, Vietnam: This is the capitol of Vietnam and very beautiful and unique place to visit with 600 temples and pagodas, but also a place to stay alert for mischief.
TripAdvisor gives advice on how to avoid being pick pocketed as this can happen in any city.
1. Never keep your wallet or valuables in your rear pocket, even if it buttons - it's by far the easiest target.
2. Beware of the distraction tactic. Dropping something near you, squirting something on you, or simply jostling you. Be on guard when in crowds, and secure your belongings.
3. Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and it's not just the usual suspects. Be cautious with any strangers -- sometimes people who don't look like they'd be a threat, such as children or the elderly, can be part of larger operations.
4. Stay alert in confined spaces and near passageways. Try to avoid standing near the doorways of trains as groups of pickpockets can rush at you when the doors open.
5. Before you set off on a trip, pare down the contents of your purse or wallet as the smaller the bulge, the less likely pickpockets are to covet it.
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