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Attenzione, pickpockets. Hey there, fellow travelers. Pickpockets are something you have to pay attention for when you're traveling here in Europe. And today we have for you are some things that you can do to kind of pickpocket protect yourself from those thieves that sometimes are out there when you travel. Now, the first thing I want to tell you though, millions of people come and travel throughout Europe every single year and they have no problems, no pickpockets, no thievery, nothing like that. So, I want to tell you this, don't be scared to travel, don't be freaked out about the pickpockets. Just be smart and you won't have to worry about them. So, that's why I want to go through some things you
should know to help keep yourself safe from pickpockets when you're traveling in Europe, whether it's the winter, the summer, or any time of the year. And I think it's really important to know the kind of situations where pickpockets work, so you know when you need to like pay more attention to things. So, one of the big times when pickpockets work is when people when there's lots of people around, you know, when there's crowds out there. So, if you're in a crowded metro or a crowded bus or you're at the Louvre in front of the Mona Lisa, you know, there's lots of people there, lots of tourists, lots of confusion, that is great for them because you don't when everybody's bumping into each other, you
don't notice somebody bumping into your back pocket and taking your phone. Now, another situation that pickpockets love is when people are not paying attention, especially to themselves. They're kind of enjoying the sights, they're going around, you know, maybe you're watching the street performers play or your kids are playing around, you're watching them walk, learn how to walk and pee or something like that. And the pickpockets are noticing that you're not paying attention, right? And that's when they swoop in or you're not thinking about things. That's why those bird poop scams, you know, like, "Oh, you got a little bird poop on you. Here, put your bag down, we'll clean it off." and poof,
your bag is gone. It's cuz you're not really thinking, you're not really paying attention at that moment. And the third time when people like are really easy to get to is when they're really relaxed or really worn out. So, when you first come in and you've got that jet lag out there, I mean, that's why when you're get train stations and airports, it's a lot of easy pickings there on people because they are kind of like worn out from their travels. But also, it could be when you're kind of relaxing at a cafe and you lay your phone on top of the table and it's an easy pickings there. Or maybe when you're shopping, I mean, Jocelyn, she got robbed. She was literally shopping in a Zara and Liam
was in his baby stroller when she went to change clothes. This lady and her daughter literally took her wallet out of the baby bag attached to the baby carriage because she was thinking about shopping. And these things happen, you know? So, make sure you're paying attention to these situations cuz those are the much more easier times for pickpockets to nail you, all right? And another thing I think is really important when you're looking at pickpockets, don't assume it's just one person. Okay? Pickpockets usually work in teams. Yes, there is the person actually robs you, but usually have that person that distracts you first. So, my parents, they got nailed in Barcelona. I warned them a thousand
times, but they still got nailed. And my mom, she was there with her backpack and this nice guy in a suit like, "Oh, man, I'm sorry. I got something on you, like mustard." And so, she put her backpack down. He got it cleaned off. She was like, "Oh, you have a good time in Barcelona. Have a good day." And he walks off. She's like, "What a nice man." She turned around, her bag was gone. He didn't steal her bag. His friend, the thief that was behind him, he stole the bag. Then also, you have the people that are looking out, either looking out for new targets or people that are looking out for the cops. These kind of things, they have those people. And then they have the other people, like the distractors that are out there,
I say maybe you call them Some people say they're blockers, you know, if you look it up online. But these are the ones that when you start to notice something, they might bump into you or they might just be in the way. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Or they get you distracted for that little bit to give their friend that time to get around the corner and away. Because I got to tell you, don't assume you can just see a pickpocket cuz pickpockets aren't stupid. They know how to blend in, so they look like a tourist just like you or me or a local, all right? So, we got these things. So, what can we do? What are the things we can do to really protect ourselves from pickpockets?
Well, one of the things you got to do is just have less stuff. Look, if you have less stuff, there's less stuff to steal, right? If you have less stuff to steal, then you're less of a target for people. So, you're not wearing your bling. And you may say, "Well, Mark, it's not real diamonds. It's costume jewelry." For the thieves, they don't know the difference, right? So, bring don't bring the bling. Also, you don't need to have all your money and all your credit cards with you. Leave some of it at the hotel. You don't need five credit cards when you're going out for the day. Take one or two.
Leave the rest in your hotel. Leave them back home. Your cash, don't keep it all in one place. Spread it out a little bit. These kind of things can help you save cuz in case you do get pickpocketed, you don't lose everything. Cuz remember, less stuff means less stuff stolen. Now, another easy way to pickpocket proof yourself is don't use your back pockets. I can't tell you how many people I've seen on my travels that will have their $2,000 or $1,000 cell phone just sticking out of the back pocket. Like, "Oh, I can just whip it out and take a picture." And like, "Oh, I'll be able to tell. My jeans are so tight. If somebody took my phone, I would notice." No, people. These people
are professionals. Okay, they make money stealing your stuff. So, they will get it. And you're sitting there and then all of a sudden you only realize when you want to take that selfie with, you know, the parliament, then you realize your phone is gone. Do not use those back pockets. If you're going to use your pockets, use your front pockets. Cuz your front pockets, you can walk around with your hands in your pockets and not look weird. You walk around with your hands in your back pockets, it looks kind of strange. So, make sure you're not putting things in your back pocket. Put in your front pockets. And you may say, "Well, Mark, I don't use my pockets. I use my purse. I use my bag."
Well, let me tell you. I want to This is one thing I see tourists make mistakes a lot. Yes, use your bag, but don't use open-top bags. And your bags, if they have zippers, zip them. There's many times I've literally caught pickpockets on the escalator next to me pickpocketing somebody next to me in Lisbon. They're reaching in the bag and pulling it out cuz there's nothing there. I'm like, "Dude." He put it back in and then jumped off the escalator and ran. But literally, it's because your bag is wide open. You want to make sure it's closed. So, women, if you're bringing those open-top bags, or guys, don't. If it is open-top, make sure there's an interior zipper that you can close and use those zippers. I know it
sounds silly, but if you give them an opening, they will go for it. Now, another place that pickpockets love to work is actually by ATMs because they're scouting that out. They're seeing who is taking money out cuz we know you just hit the ATM, you have cash, and cash is untraceable. So, what I recommend, use the ATMs inside of a bank, okay? Another thing, if you do have to use an ATM outside, don't count your money right there cuz they can see, "Oh, they took out a thousand euros." versus "They took out twenty euros." No. Look, if they if you're worried they didn't give you all your money, there's nothing you can really do. Go inside and then count it then, and then go back and get the
number for that ATM. Because there are people watching, and that's why it's important when you're putting your PIN number in, you want to make sure you cover it. Cuz I'll tell you, there are people if you're going to shops and you're using your debit card, I recommend just tap and go, you don't have to worry about it. If you have one of those debit cards you have to put your PIN number in to get stuff out, there are people that could be standing behind you just recording you doing that. Or I mean, I have cameras that will literally like half a mile away it seems like I can like see the you know, the PIN pan PIN pad, and they can track the numbers you do. Say, "Hey, we got the we've got the one two three
four pin you know, PIN code for this guy. Get his wallet, we'll get his money." You want to be smart with this. Now, going back to our keeping stuff out of the backside of you, I would say this, keep your valuables in front of you. Yes, your front pockets are always helpful that way, but if you're going to be on the subway, if you're going to be on public transportation, you're going to museums, wherever, anytime there's a lot of tourists around, crowds around, put your bag on the front of you. You got your backpack, put it in the front. You got your purse, swing it around to the front of you so it's in front of you. Cuz it's behind you, you can't pay attention to that. You may think you can
feel it, but believe me, you won't, all right? So, be smart with that. And that's why I think I need to talk about public transportation in general. That is a very popular place for pickpockets, whether you're going into the subway, like you're literally like putting your ticket in with the little things and going in, or you're getting on the subway, getting off the subway, those are all really good spots for pickpockets to work. So, what can you do? Well, one thing, be ready before you walk up to the turnstile to go in, cuz if you're searching for your ticket and your wallet and you got all these things out, and then you're like tapping yourself in and your stuff's available, easy to nail you. They've done that to
my dad in Paris before, we caught them, but that's one of those things you want to be ready beforehand, right? And so, have that. Another thing is when you're going in and out of the actual train, that is a very big pickpocket time cuz people are rushing through, boom, they can nail you that way. Also, don't stand right next to the door, or if you do, don't be on your phone or things like that, because it's easy for somebody to step out, the door start to close, and whoop, they reach in and grab your phone as the door closes, and you're gone. I seen that in Lisbon, I seen that in Paris, as well. It is very, very a sucky. Thanks to you, got to pay attention. Also, when you are on public transportation, be aware of your
surroundings. If you see that the train is really, really packed, maybe wait for the next tube to come by here in Lisbon. Sorry. Maybe wait for the next tube to come by when you're here in London, all right? Another thing, if you see people huddling around you when there's not a reason for them to huddle around you. This happened to me when I was living in Lisbon, and I was on the green line, and all of a sudden, these five guys just came and stood around me by the door. I'm like, this is weird. And then they started to huddling in on me, and I realized what was going on. And literally, I had to push with my leg off
of the like the seat there to like bust through them to get out of that situation, because they were there to rob me right there. So, you want to make sure you're paying attention when you're in the thing. Don't let people crowd you. Make sure you just paid attention to your situation. Also, I would say be aware when you are a little tipsy, if you had too much to drink, you become a very easy target. And if you're going to be traveling by yourself on public transportation in the evening time. That is another time you need to protect yourself, so it might be better to get a taxi or get a ride share to get you back to your hotel versus paying pay, you know, going on public transportation
just for your safety side to make yourself less than less of a target. Now, another thing I think is important to mention is preparing yourself when you're at a restaurant or cafe. Cuz here's the thing, like I said before, you're in a relaxed position, you're not thinking about things, you leave your phone on top of the outdoor terrace in Paris and someone just walks by and grabs it and you don't notice it. Or maybe you put your, you know, your coat, you put your phone in your pocket here then you put your coat on the back of your chair or you leave your bags to the side of you and you don't think about it cuz you're enjoying the food and when you get up to go, oh, your phone's gone.
Your wallet's gone. Oh, my bag, my shopping, one of my shopping bags is gone. These things happen. So, what I want to tell you is don't put anything behind you or beside you when you're eating at a restaurant inside, especially at outdoor terraces and stuff, you want to put it in front of you, okay? So, put your bags in front of you, put your purse in front of you on the ground there as opposed to hanging off the back cuz that is a very easy way to get robbed. I've had literally dozens of our fans have sent us emails about getting robbed that way and that's why I'm warning you yet again, don't leave your stuff hanging there. Be aware when you're in like restaurants and in cafes.
Now, I know a lot of times we think that our wallets are the sexiest thing for thieves to steal, but these days it's not really cuz most people don't carry much cash, they have cards that are blocked very easily. So, actually your mobile phone, yes, your mobile phone is probably the best thing they want to steal because they can get it, you know, wiped very easily and then it's sold off either for parts or someone else will have it very, very simply. So, that's why I want you to be really prepared with your phone. So, when you're going around as a tourist, don't be looking like this for your directions because they see that, oh, you're so focused on your phone and where you are, you're not paying attention to people near you and your
phone can be easy to get. That's why when I see lost tourists standing next to the side of a busy road and the metro or the mopeds are going by, I've seen them grab the phone and boom, they're gone. So, you want to be aware of that. Also, on the metro, like I said before, in the subways, you don't want to be on your phone by the door cuz again, it's easy pickings right there. So, be extra smart with your cell phone and when and where you use it. And honestly, when it comes to pickpockets, I think just knowing the general scams that are in the destination you're going to go to can really help. I mean, think about it, you know, the bird poop scam or the ice cream scam or the mustard scam where
they something is, you know, on you and they're like, "Oh, let me help." That's all over the place. It's kind of funny cuz the food they use is different. In Germany, it's mustard. In Italy, it's gelato, you know. So, you have those things. In Spain, they like the bird poop, you know. Those kind of distraction scams. Street performers. Anytime there's street performers, people are focused on street performers, not on their own person and that makes them easy targets, okay? So, pay attention at those things. Also, if you have those petition people, those petition scams. They're coming up to ask you. They might not be robbing you, but they might be sizing you up seeing what watch does he have, what phone does he
have, where is his wallet at, so they can signal to their friend down the way that when you leave, they could be the one to rob you, all right? So, be aware of that. And knowing these kind of scams, whether it's the picture scam where they're, you know, trying to get you to take their picture and they drop the phone and rip you off that way or they take your phone, you just want to be aware of the traditional scams that are out there. We have tons of videos on scams in Europe scams around the world that'll help you out, but know those scams so it keeps you more aware in those situations to make it so the thieves don't go after your goodies in your pockets or your purses. And the thing is, if you get
pickpocketed, if you notice something going on, don't be afraid to be loud. There's a reason why that lady yells, "Attenzione, pickpocket!" to get everyone to look because those pickpockets don't want to be noticed. You notice they always go like this, right? They like hide their faces so people don't see them because that's the thing the pickpockets don't want to be noticed. If they're noticed then they're not going to be able to get their job done, right? So, make a commotion, make a noise, let people know what's going on. That's going to help. But in general, I want to tell you this, don't think pickpockets are going to ruin your trip when you come to Europe because
millions of people come here and they have no issues whatsoever, but it's just important to be prepared, to be smart, to make sure it doesn't happen to you. And if it does happen to you, make sure you report it to the police even they might laugh at you sometimes like this happened in Barcelona and Lisbon and Italy for some of my friends and some of our followers, but I'll be honest, make the report because then you have it for your insurance people back home, but also don't let it ruin your vacation. Yes, they got your wallet, but you know what? You can still go see Big Ben, you can still go to the Tate Modern, you can go to the British Museum cuz they're all free without money. You go back to your
hotel, let them know, they'll help you get your, you know, a new credit card. You'll be fine, but don't let it ruin your travels because you can still have a wonderful time even if the bad guys might get your wallet. Anyway, what are your tips for avoiding pickpockets and preventing the pickpockets from getting you. Let us know in the comments below so we can help other travelers stay safe and pickpocket-free when they travel. Anyway, I say thank you from here in London. I want to say a special thank you to our members on YouTube and our patrons on Patreon who make videos like this possible. Your support is fantastic. Thank you. If you want to learn how you can help us keep making
honest travel videos, go to patreon.com/waltersworld to find out more or click that join button on YouTube and you can help out. Anyway, I wish you all the best. I'll say bye from here in beautiful, slightly rainy London.
