Paris Pickpockets: Top Tips to Avoid Getting Robbed During Your Vacation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Paris is visited by tens of millions of tourists every year as Europe’s top destination. The French capital presents a plethora of culinary, historical, art, to museum tourist spots.

However, tourists who visit Paris are also at risk of becoming victims of pickpockets since Paris was named as one of the “pickpocket hotspots” of the world in a study published by Money.co.uk. Two pickpocketing-prone areas are the Paris Metro and the city's main train station, Gare du Nord.

Amanda Rollins, an American expat who has lived in Paris for five years, revealed several ways to protect yourself from pickpockets. Amanda is a multiple-time victim herself, having lost five of her cell phones while in Paris.

Amanda, who often posts her experiences as an expat on Instagram @americanfille, uploaded a video detailing her best tips for keeping your valuables safe in Paris.

Here are tips that Amanda shared to avoid pickpocketing in Paris.

1. Keep your phone out of your pocket

Rule number one, she said, is to keep your phone out of your pocket. Many people tend to tuck their phones into their pockets for easy access when walking around the city. However, Amanda explained this is one of the main ways of pickpocketing in Paris. 

"They're really good at sneakily getting into your pockets without you noticing. Keep it locked away in a zipped bag that is facing toward you or if you're going to keep it in your hard use a case that is silicone-based because it is sticky." 

2. Wear a lanyard

Amanda suggests investing in a strong and durable lanyard to keep your phone attached to your body. She suggests opting for one with a chain or a strong handle.

"I don't even have to worry about where my phone is," she says. "I can see it, it's attached to me." She said these lanyards are particularly useful when traveling on the Métro.

3. Don't stand near Metro doors

The Paris Métro is a major area for pickpockets to strike. In 2020, 54,856 people were victims of theft or violence on the RATP (Paris's transport network), which equals to 25 victims per 1,000 inhabitants, according to research by Thelocal.fr.

"I will say never ever stand by the Métro doors holding your phone because this is one of the things that they do," explained Amanda. "They will be on the platform when the Métro arrives. Right as the doors are closing they will reach in and snatch it out of your hand and the doors close."

4. Don't stand out

Tourist attractions in Paris are also brimming with pickpockets. Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth and hide valuables such as expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or high-end electronics.

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