Rome and Europe: 4 ways to avoid pickpockets in crowded places.

According to The Sun, pickpocketing gangs at crowded tourist spots often operate in an organized manner, staging "accidental" collisions to distract visitors before approaching and stealing their belongings. Based on their real-life experiences, Ly Dat Thu (31 years old), a student and tour guide in Rome, Italy, and Nguyen Anh Lukas, a Vietnamese photographer in France, share four ways to help tourists keep their belongings safe while traveling in Europe.

Be extremely vigilant at train stations and on the subway.

According to Mr. Nguyen Anh Lukas, thieves often take advantage of the moment you're going through the ticket gate: while tourists are busy looking for tickets or struggling to get through the gate, they approach from behind like a passenger pushing their way through to pickpocket. At the train station, be wary of people suddenly approaching, getting too close to you, or "falling" into you – it could be a staged act.

According to Mr. Ly Dat Thu, one should be especially cautious of groups of women who pretend to be pregnant or carry large, black bags to conceal their hands while committing crimes. They usually travel in groups of 3-5, dress rather shabbily, and often lurk around crowded train stations.

On the subway, choose a spot near a closed door, avoiding areas where doors are constantly opening and closing. Ideally, lean against a wall (without anyone behind you), so you only need to look in front and to your sides. If traveling in a group, remind each other to keep an eye on your bags; pickpockets often target crowded carriages.

Dress simply and avoid ostentation.

According to Lukas, tourists are often easily identified because they dress in flashy clothes, wear designer brands, and are less cautious, making them easy targets right from the airport. Thieves can distract their attention and then snatch their backpacks and bags right from the luggage carts.

The advice is to dress simply and look as much like a local as possible. If you want to wear fashionable outfits or bring designer items for photos, you should book a ride-hailing service instead of using public transport.

Don't get too caught up in taking pictures.

"When you need someone to take your picture, you should look for groups of Korean, Japanese, or Chinese tourists, or ask Western tourists traveling in family groups," shared Mr. Li Yishu. Even so, observe carefully before handing over your phone.

When taking selfies, hold your phone steady and pay attention to your surroundings. A phone strap will provide extra security in a constantly moving crowd.

Wear your backpack in front, keeping essential items to a minimum.

Wear a backpack or a zippered crossbody bag and place it in front of your chest. "Don't keep your phone and important documents in the side pockets of your jacket, because just one second of carelessness and you'll lose them," said Nguyen Anh Lukas.

In your backpack, you should only carry lightweight and inexpensive items such as a water bottle, tissues, a scarf, and a light windbreaker. Mr. Li Yishu emphasized: don't keep important documents in your backpack when going out; it's best to keep them in your accommodation to avoid complications if they are lost.

Carry only a small amount of cash and keep it in a place you can always control. When spending, prioritize using cards or e-wallets on your phone to minimize risk.

Summary

Pickpocketing often occurs after seemingly random collisions in crowds. Staying calm, standing in a "safe" spot on the train, dressing simply, avoiding excessive photography, and always wearing your bag in front of your chest are simple but effective steps to protect your belongings when visiting crowded destinations in Europe.