Tourists should ‘avoid wearing a backpack’ in top holiday destinations

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Unfortunately, pickpockets are fairly common in major tourist destinations. Cities such as Rome, Barcelona and Paris are notorious for theft.

However, there are some things British tourists can do to avoid becoming a target for pickpockets.

James Andrews, personal finance expert at money.co.uk told Expess.co.uk how tourists can avoid pickpockets.

He said: “Ensure that all of your valuables are tightly zipped away in a bag or purse when you’re in tourist areas.”

There’s no point wearing expensive jewellery or carrying pricey gadgets in tourist areas as they could be a target for thieves.

It’s better to keep valuables zipped away in a bag or to leave them in a hotel safe or safe area in the room.

James added: “Zips on bags should also face inwards where possible or be hidden under layers of clothing to make them harder to access.

“There are also bags and garments specifically designed to counteract pickpockets, with secret pouches and compartments, for example, money belts are a safe option.

“Even if a pickpocket knows you’re wearing one, the hassle of trying to steal from one makes you less likely to be pickpocketed.

“Of course, nothing can ever be 100 percent safe against pickpockets, but a money belt certainly makes you a great deal safer.”

Money belts usually fit under clothing making them very difficult for any opportunistic thieves to access.

As James says, even if a thief does spot a person’s money belt, they may be put off as it’s very difficult to steal from.

James added: “Avoid wearing a backpack where possible. Unfortunately, backpacks are perhaps the easiest thing for pickpockets to target as it is of course on your back, therefore you can’t always keep an eye on it.

“The fact that the opening to the bag isn’t touching your body also makes them easier to steal from as you won’t be able to feel something being taken.”

Backpacks are a common choice for British tourists out exploring in a European city.

However, they can sometimes attract thieves and can be an easy option for pickpockets looking to steal. 

Compartments on the back of a rucksack are often the least safe area as a tourist won’t be able to feel a person stealing there.

James added: “Try not to advertise yourself to pickpockets, so stay alert and don’t overtly flash any valuable jewellery, items or cash when visiting European cities.”

Barcelona has been rated the worst city for pickpockets and certain areas are seen as hotspots.

The pedestrianised Las Ramblas and La Boqueria market are top danger spots for pickpocketing.

Tourists should also take care around stations, airports and tourist information offices as thieves may target these areas.

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