Is anything being done to stop the pickpocketing problem in Paris?
I’ve spent a lot of time in Paris and am just really troubled by all the petty theft. Why is it so bad here, and is there anything being done to stop it? It’s just terrible…. I could go on about it but that’s all I’ll say for now.
I’m not asking for tips on avoiding it, I’m asking what is being done to prevent it? Who are these pickpockets? Why do they tolerate it? Do they need help, or education, or just plain kicked out of France?
Well there’s a polemic going on for a few years now about cameras in the street, but nothing’s really done in Paris, except maybe in train stations and stuff… Sadly, I think pickpocketing is also something cultural, like in Italy and in Spain, this phenomenon is just huge (I’ve been a victim myself in Madrid T_T). On the other hand, in Scandinavian countries, there are almost NOT such problems !
Weird stuff :/
probably not
It’s bad there because there are easy pickings there. The only thing you can do is make it hard for them, and not keep your stuff in your pockets or where they can be got at easily.
Be alert especially in touristy areas like the Eifel Tower and the Louvre. Carry only cash that you really need. Keep your camera and map out of sight and take em out only when you need to use em. Why is it so bad? Bc tourists carry $$$ and the penalty/likelihood of getting caught is small.
Also, do not leave your bags/purse left unattended, not even for 10 seconds.
There are pickpockets in all the world’s major cities, New York, London, Barcelona (it’s really a problem there apparently), Melbourne, you name the city and there will be plenty of pickpockets looking for unwary tourists. Pickpockets are ‘bad’ in these cities because tourists are such easy prey. They don’t pay attention to what is happening around them, flash money around, and don’t keep personal items safe. If tourists took precautions the number of pickpockets would be out of business!
The sensible thing is to keep all personal items safe. Use money belts; wear trousers with zippered side pockets; keep handbags safe; use backpacks that can’t be opened stealthily; watch what’s happening around you; don’t leave handbags or backpacks unattendes; don’t leave purses or cameras sitting on cafe tables; keep the strap of a handbag or backpack around your ankle when sitting. It’s just commonsense.
I travel a lot and make sure I have only what I need with me. I’ve invested in a small, but stylish, PacSafe backpack to use when sightseeing. It’s slashproof, has neat hidden, lockable, fastenings, is lightweight and just big enough for my purse, water bottle, camera and other personal items. It has hidden pockets where I keep my passport and credit card.