Pickpockets in Paris: How to Avoid Getting Robbed

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Are you concerned about pickpockets in Paris?

As you gaze up admiringly at the Eiffel Tower, you may not even feel those gentle fingers slip into your pocket or bag and wrap themselves around your money.

But next time you try to buy something, your own fingers may grasp only air as you search desperately for your missing funds.

You − and up to 100,000 other unsuspecting visitors − have fallen prey to pickpockets in Paris, the bane of city authorities.

It isn't a nice feeling to be robbed.

It has happened to me before and it leaves an unpleasant taste. Admitting you've lost something (often valuable) is bad enough, but it's even worse when you feel you might have been able to avoid it.

Just remember this: YOU are not at fault. You are the victim, and the thief is to blame.

That said, there are things you can do to minimize the risk to yourself and the opportunities available to thieves.

My goal here today is to help you enjoy Paris the way you should by making you more attentive and telling you which scams to watch out for, where pickpockets congregate, and what to do when sticky fingers begin rifling through your pockets or bags.

Yes, even in Paris.

How bad are pickpockets in Paris?

The Paris crime rate is relatively low for violent crime but does rise for petty crime and pickpocketing. 

Even the government warns against pick pockets by putting up signs in frequented areas and broadcasting warnings in stations and airports.

First, whatever the level of petty crime in Paris, know that the vast majority of robberies are non-violent. Thieves want your stuff − they don't want to hurt you. All they want is to disappear into the crowds and seek out their next victim, not get caught and thrown into jail.

Second, much of this crime is opportunistic: it happens when thieves spot an opportunity, something almost too good to resist − a cellphone carelessly placed on a café table top, a wallet slipped into a back pocket, a purse on the back of a chair. Eliminate the opportunity and chances are you'll eliminate the crime.

Third, there is a portion of petty crime that is handled by organized gangs that prey on tourists and that may even work internationally, rotating thieves between countries when their faces become too known to police. This, too, can be deterred, although with greater difficulty.

Whatever the face of petty crime rate in Paris, there is no question it is on the rise.

When Covid struck, tourism came to a standstill, and pickpockets in France wound down. But the tourists are back, some 33 million of them in Paris alone, and in the first quarter of 2022, nearly 50,000 non-violent thefts were reported to police, an increase of 25% over 2021.

Police presence in Paris is beefed up during the tourist season but no matter how many police are deployed, there always seem to be more petty criminals than there are uniforms.

Let's see how we can foil some of those grabby hands, shall we?

how to avoid pickpockets in Paris: safety accessories

I've already mentioned a number of products and items you can use to protect yourself from pickpockets, but I'll list them again here for ease all in one place.

Is Paris safe? Should you avoid Paris because of pickpockets?

Absolutely not!

Yes, Paris has its share of pickpockets but with a bit of caution, you can emerge unscathed from your visit. People who get robbed are often victims of carelessness or lack or awareness or simple ignorance. Understanding these pickpocketing Paris tips will go a long way towards protecting you.

Paris is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, filled with glorious sights and attractions. There's no reason to avoid it, despite the pickpockets.

Be careful, be aware, and then go out and enjoy the dream that is Paris.

Paris pickpocketing scams

Pickpocket techniques are extremely creative but even so, their approaches and scams tend to belong to certain categories: once you know these categories, avoiding pickpockets becomes a lot easier, as does adapting your solutions to pickpocket techniques.

These Paris scams may be the most common but they're not exclusive to the city and are equally popular in New York and London, or anywhere tourists flush with cash congregate.

Here's how these scams break down.

The distraction

Distraction is at the basis of many pickpocket events, and most of the scams itemized below will in some way involve distraction.

Usually this kind of approach will happen in a crowd, where something distracts you, like loud music or a shove. It can be quick and professional, and you can be pickpocketed and the thief long gone well before you have an inkling you've been robbed.

It can also happen while you're sitting at one of those impossibly romantic Parisian cafés: you've just snapped that viral Instagram shot, you put down your phone, and someone distracts you, with a petition or a newspaper or a question. By the time you realize what's happened, your phone is gone.

The public transportation scam

Pickpockets love buses and subways: they're crowded and you expect people to be scrunched against you.

Thieves on public transportation are particularly skilled at making their escape just before the doors close, and once that happens, there's no catching them.

The personal touch

It's difficult to turn down someone who engagingly approaches you but there are many scams involving people who come up to you.

The"directions" are a classic: someone approaches you with a map and... asks for directions. You're obviously a tourist − how should you know where something is? Or they might ask for a light, or a translation...

The "ring scam" is so old one wonders how it continues to work, but it does. Someone bends down to pick up what looks like a gold ring and asks if it's yours. While you're being bamboozled, there's every chance an accomplice is searching for your wallet. If you say it isn't yours, they'll offer to sell it to you at a bargain price. While you're negotiating, that accomplice is busy robbing you.

The "wristband scam" is similar. Someone will approach you and before you know it, will have tied a string or macramé "friendship bracelet" around your wrist. They'll then demand payment − it's hard for you to deny having the bracelet: there it is, plain as day, right on your wrist. Most people will pay up just to avoid a scene.

Another classic is the "interview" or "NGO fundraiser" to help animals or refugees: the obvious approach will be someone, who often looks like a student, approaching you with a petition on a clipboard. Some of these may be legitimate, sadly, but you can't know which. The clipboard may be used to hide the theft, or the manoeuvre will be used to distract you while someone else picks your pocket.

The Grab and Run

This is altogether too common, and can be highly distressing but is common in Paris. Basically it involves someone grabbing your phone or snatching your purse and running off with it.

Remember that many pickpockets work in pairs or groups, so even if you think you might be able to catch a thief, s/he may well have an accomplice nearby to foil your attempts.

The confidence trickster

The creativity demonstrated by pickpockets in Paris is quite something.

An increasingly popular trick is dressing up as a tourist to gain your trust. Sometimes, they're indistinguishable from the real tourist, selfie stick and all! But if they get close to you, robbery could be their motive.

While many operate out in the open, others dress up as hotel guests and work − you guessed it − hotels. They could target your room while you are away sightseeing, or your belongings while you eat (leaving your bag on a chair while you head for the buffet may not be the wisest decision), especially during breakfast, when there is massive turnover and you'll be leaving your belongings unattended as you fill up at the buffet.

The fake infirmity

Sad to say but thieves use disability as a way to gain your pity or trust.

A blind woman may bump into and you'll be distracted for a moment, by her cane or by trying to help. In a little while, you may realize your wallet is gone...

Or a "deaf" man may approach you asking for money or a donation − but may not be deaf at all.

The physical encounter

Several of the scams mentioned so far involve some sort of physical contact, such as grabbing your arm or jostling you.

Sometimes, though, contact can be even more direct.

Someone may spill something on you and "help" you clean up; while they're mopping up the offending drink or ice cream, an accomplice is surreptitiously making off with your money.

Or a jogger may "knock you down", apologize and try to help you up, discreetly helping himself to whatever is in your pocket.

Or a group of kids may be playing rambunctiously nearby, with a few friendly jostles and pushes, and next thing you know, money is being lifted.

Who are these Paris pickpockets, anyway?

We may have an image of young men, agile and fleet, running relays and escaping the most watchful policeman.

But that would not necessarily be true.

In reality, many Paris pickpockets are female. Some are older, disguised as older women or mothers with babies (or dolls wrapped up to look like babies).

Or they may be gangs of female adolescents, some barely in their teens, some even younger, who work together picking pockets and passing the money among themselves so as not to be caught. One or two may distract you, while the others take your things.

Pickpockets: Paris places they hang out

The most popular pickpocket hangouts are without a doubt the most popular tourist places − or places you would expect tourists to visit.

Certain neighbourhoods are more "active" than others. For example, Montmartre, the Marais, the Latin Quarter or Pigalle are hugely popular with tourists, and therefore, with pickpockets.

The main tourist attractions, of course, are magnets for pickpockets − places like the Eiffel Tower (especially as you're waiting in line or where people are selling souvenirs), the Sacré-Coeur, Versailles, the Opéra, the Puces de Saint-Ouen and other flea markets...

Public transportation to and from these attractions are targets, as is the RER metro from Charles de Gaulle airport.

Museums are attractive for pickpockets, especially the extremely popular Louvre or Musée d'Orsay. While you're gazing admiringly at an Impressionist painting, someone may be gazing admiringly at your unprotected purse or wallet. 

Another popular place for pickpockets are the wonderful department stores of Paris − Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Samaritaine, Bon Marché − whether in crowded areas or at cash registers where money is being handed over and wallets placed on counters.

A final place to watch out for are American fast food outlets where tourists may gravitate because of their familiarity, places like McDonald's or Subway. The issue here isn't crowds but beware of other "friendly tourists" who might approach you.

Basic travel tips to keep pickpockets at bay

I've introduced you to a number of specific strategies (above) that can help prevent theft and keep away pickpockets. Let me recap these and add a few more general approaches that will help protect your belongings while you visit the wonderful city that is Paris.

• Become familiar with Euros before you step out of your hotel room. You don't want to be fumbling with coins and cash just when you need your concentration.

• Keep your wits about you. Your surroundings may be stunning but don't just gaze adoringly: be aware − this is the real world, not an amusement park. Think of a big city back home. What precautions would you take there?

• Notice the people around you, how they move and where they go. If anyone approaches you unexpectedly, you'll be prepared.

• Don't make yourself more of a target than you already are. Don't keep your expensive camera on the table or your purse dangling.

• Only carry with you what you are willing to lose: a small amount of cash, one credit card, and one piece of ID (consider taking along a photocopy of your passport rather than the original when you go sightseeing).

• Don't flash your funds and keep the bulk of your money hidden. A good way of doing this is by using one of the many excellent travel money belts on the market. Just keep the day's cash handy and if you need more, step into a bathroom to get more money out of your belt.

• Make sure the rest of your belongings are safe in some kind of anti-theft travel bag. Wear it cross-body and ensure it has a locking zipper.

• I know we try to dress like locals when we travel, but during the day, when you're sightseeing with a good guidebook in plain sight, hiding your tourist status may be difficult. I combine safety with style and wear my Scottevest, which looks like a plain (yet elegant) vest but is so filled with pockets I sometimes don't need any other accessories.

• Try not to look too rich. Leave the bling at home − it's like a beacon for pickpockets.

• If you're a man, do not keep your wallet in your back pocket. Pickpockets in Paris are experts and you will be shocked to find out they've managed to take your wallet without you knowing.

What if the worst happens?

If you notice you're getting robbed, yell loudly, "Police"! It's the same word in French as in English.

If you do get robbed, head straight for the nearest police station. You'll be able to file a complaint and get a receipt, which you might need for insurance.

You will also be able to provide a description that might help police track down the offenders (whom they often have to release because of their young age).

The city of Paris has also developed a guide to safety in Paris which you can read and download here.

Have you booked your Paris hotel yet?

pickpockets in paris FAQ

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