Pickpockets use common technique to ‘distract’ tourists

Tourists have been warned to watch out for a common scam used by pickpockets to distract unsuspecting travellers.

While pickpockets operate all over the world, some of Europe’s biggest tourist destinations such as Barcelona and Paris are particular areas to watch.

A tourist, who was planning a trip to Paris, suggested pickpockets may bump into you as a distraction technique.

A Reddit user ‘NiagaraThistle’ said: “Any time someone bumps into you, crowded location or not, put your hand to the pocket your wallet is in and subtly check to make sure it is still there.

“Pickpockets will bump into you to distract you from their hands going in your pockets. Don’t be paranoid, just know that this happens.”

Pickpockets may collide with tourists and then use the moment of distraction to steal items from their pockets.

It’s a good idea to keep any valuable items inside a flat money belt which can be worn under clothing.

Tourists can also use a hotel safe to keep any important items protected from opportunistic thieves.

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The Reddit user added: “If you are carrying cash, keep only one day’s worth of your budget in your wallet.

“Keep your wallet in a hard to access pocket preferably with a button closure. Keep your primary credit card in this wallet and pocket too.”

If the worst happens and a pickpocket does manage to steal, at least they won’t have taken everything.

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Another person who said they lived in Paris, ‘VinceBiskui’, said: “Just stay away from any pack of guys that are obviously trying to distract you. They are mostly around super touristic areas.”

Areas to watch out for Paris include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Champs Elysee and the train station taking people to Disneyland Paris.

The Paris local warned that “people in Paris will never talk to you” so tourists should be suspicious of anyone trying to catch their attention.

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