Cities Where Pickpockets Target Tourists Most

Each year, the world’s most famous tourist sites attract millions of visitors from around the globe. Yet such heavy footfall also benefits pickpockets, who take advantage of crowded spaces to steal phones, wallets, and other valuables. A study conducted by the comparison site Compare the Market identified destinations where tourists are most exposed to pickpocketing and scams. Unsurprisingly, European cities feature prominently in this ranking.

European cities dominate the ranking by a wide margin

Paris thus lands at the top of Compare the Market’s study. The French capital, which welcomes millions of tourists each year, is judged to be the destination with the highest risk of suffering a pickpocket. The most frequented areas, notably around the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre, are among the main trouble spots. In these places where crowds are very large, pickpockets exploit the bustle and moments of inattention to operate discreetly. As a result, Paris scores 60.61 out of 100 on the overall “Fear of being assaulted or robbed” index, more than 20 points ahead of the second-ranked city.

Rome ranks fourth. The major tourist sites of the Italian capital, such as Roma Termini station, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Spanish Steps, also draw very large crowds, creating fertile ground for opportunistic thefts.

London occupies sixth place. Pickpockets frequently employ distraction techniques, targeting shopping streets and crowded spaces, where they sometimes operate in groups to divert the attention of their victims.

Athens sits in seventh place. The Acropolis, which welcomes a large number of visitors, is regularly cited among the zones where vigilance is required. On Facebook, a user even notes: “Pickpockets are everywhere, not just in Athens. Just be careful…” Another testimony: “I know someone who recently returned from Athens and had their wallet stolen. You simply have to stay very vigilant.”

Sofia ranks eighth. In addition to pickpocketing, travelers are urged to beware of overpriced taxis and currency-exchange scams, notably around the central train station, the central bus station, and the Lions Bridge.

Barcelona appears in ninth position. The Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya, the Gothic Quarter, and Montcada Street are among the areas most closely watched. According to the Barcelona Police, 48.1% of the city’s offenses recorded in 2023 were pickpocketing. The Barcelona Yellow guide also urges caution: “Tourists visiting Barcelona are advised to be careful if they wear expensive watches near luxury hotels, shopping districts, and at the exits of nightclubs in the more upscale neighborhoods.” It adds: “There has been an increase in criminal gangs targeting high-end personal accessories in recent years. If you travel by car, do not leave valuables in plain sight during highway stops or when parking in underground garages.”

Amsterdam completes the top 10. The Dam Square, the central railway station, the Rijksmuseum, and certain areas of the Red Light District are considered zones where visitors should be extra vigilant.

The United States places three cities in the global top 10

Aside from Europe, the United States is the country most represented in the ranking, with three cities among the ten.

Las Vegas ranks second in the list. Known for its casinos and nonstop entertainment, it scores 47.69 out of 100 for traveler concerns about being assaulted or robbed. While the pickpocket score is relatively low, concerns about scams are the highest, at 8.4 out of 10.

New York completes the podium. The American metropolis records a score of 49.68 out of 100 for fears of assault and theft. International tourists are also particularly worried about scams and the disappearance of personal belongings.

Fifth in the ranking, Los Angeles records 15.2 out of 100 on the index dedicated to pickpocketing and scams. Despite its prestigious image, some highly frequented areas, such as Hollywood Boulevard and the nightlife districts, remain conducive to petty crime.