Pickpockets on Metro

[vettegirl]

Several of my friends have had their wallets stolen on the metro. I am assuming this is common in Paris, has anyone else had a problem with this and what tips do you have?

 

[ukstitch]

Several of my friends have had their wallets stolen on the metro. I am assuming this is common in Paris, has anyone else had a problem with this and what tips do you have?

I tend to make sure that I wear something with an inside pocket. I then simply store my valuables (wallet, passport etc), in that inside pocket, which generally makes it harder to remove. Even better is if you can button or zip up the clothing which has the inside pocket.

 

[wishspirit]

I have a travellers money belt.

Will this be ok? (Except making me look big as a house!)

 

[tennisfan]

We haven't had any problems but it is like anywhere you need to be aware of your surroundings & not make it easy for the pickpockets.

 

[Tricky_lil_Pixie]

I travelled on the Metro a lot on my last trip both too Paris and DLP, I never encountered any problems. I made sure my zip on my bag was closed at all times and the flap over the top of my bag was closed and the opening was closest to my body.

 

[NETGURU]

It's an understatement when I say the Paris Metro is one of the scariest places ever. Yeah there are pickpockets everywhere. Usually some1 catches them and doesn't hold back (prises the doors open and throws them from the train, not when its moving of course but still lol)

 

[Cyrano]

We have never had a problem in Paris but in keeping with the advice in any major centre and tourist location. Try not to give away that you are a visitor. Think about parading expensive mobile phones, cameras etc

Having been the victim of pickpocketing elsewhere I realised that the person probably followed me from a shop where I was trying to find some smaller denominations. Most probably spotting me rifling through my wallet

 

[gemmybear83]

I've never had a problem, and I have never seen anything either. Just do what everybody says and be sensible - and try not to dress like a tourist!!!

 

[vettegirl]

It sounds like we will be fine, I never dress like a tourist LOL

 

[gemmybear83]

It sounds like we will be fine, I never dress like a tourist LOL

Yeah and I am sure you will be!! Don't worry just be sensible, you will have a fab time I have always felt really safe in Paris even when travelling late on the metros. Just be vigilant and don't get in empty train carriages etc.

 

[Ware Bears]

Also, be prepared that you will often get people requesting help ie. money from you. They will approach you on the train or if you are in the queue at tourist attractions but provided you give them a polite but firm refusal they don't bother you further.

 

[Cyrano]

Also, be prepared that you will often get people requesting help ie. money from you. They will approach you on the train or if you are in the queue at tourist attractions but provided you give them a polite but firm refusal they don't bother you further.

or offer to help you at the ticket machine or get you cheaper tickets

 

[torsie24]

Its the same as any other city.

I grew up in london and still live nearby and just always use common sense. Zip up bag that i keep close to me with the zip bit at the front. I think a lot of people let their guards down on holiday.

Only time ive been pickpocketed was in a shanty town in Peru and that was from the bit of my bag that i hadnt padlocked which luckily i only kept my hat in.

 

[aussietravellers]

Well I have had second hand experience with this. When in Paris many years ago on a girls trip to Paris (ah, those day's before marriage and children) and we were aware of pickpocketing on the metro so did think we were being careful. We all had zip handbags and kept our hands over the middle of the zipper part and pulled the bag close into our bodies. My friend (hence the second hand experience) had her hand over the middle of the zipper part but they were still able to unzip the bag to her hand and take her wallet out, WITHOUT HER KNOWING, we were blown away.

Anyway, now older and wiser and travelling with a young family to Paris for the first time since that incident, we are planning for pickpockets as I have no doubt we are going to look like (and sound like) tourists!

We travel all over the world and have never had a problem with pickpockets but as my only other visit to Paris had a pickpocketing incident, we are going to try and be a little prepared.

I have just found these antitheft bags and we have each got one, (including a small one for the kids to carry their own wallets and camera etc) and they are just amazing, they have wire mesh inside the lining to stop bags and straps from being slashed, they have these hooks for antipickpocketing and they say antisnatch too, I was so excited when I came acorss them the other week, thinking, we are getting these for our trip in December. Although I did get them here in Australia, they are not an Aussie product, so do sell them in stores all around the world, www.pacsafe.com . They are all sizes and shapes and have other travel antitheft accessories including slash proof neck and waist pouches and wallets that clip on.

Anyway, when I saw this thread I thought I'd share my find as I was very excited when I found them (I know, the fact that I get excitement out of finding a travel bag is a little sad, but oh well ).

 

[kevankiki]

I've never had a problem, and I have never seen anything either. Just do what everybody says and be sensible - and try not to dress like a tourist!!!

I never understood this not looking like a tourist thing. How do you not look like a tourist when people often know just by looking at you (and listening to you) that your British? What sort of clothes should I be wearing to look like a non-tourist anyway?

Only time ive been pickpocketed was in a shanty town in Peru and that was from the bit of my bag that i hadnt padlocked which luckily i only kept my hat in.

They stole your hat?

I have just found these antitheft bags and we have each got one, (including a small one for the kids to carry their own wallets and camera etc) and they are just amazing, they have wire mesh inside the lining to stop bags and straps from being slashed, they have these hooks for antipickpocketing and they say antisnatch too, I was so excited when I came acorss them the other week, thinking, we are getting these for our trip in December. Although I did get them here in Australia, they are not an Aussie product, so do sell them in stores all around the world, www.pacsafe.com . They are all sizes and shapes and have other travel antitheft accessories including slash proof neck and waist pouches and wallets that clip on.

Great find

 

[gemmybear83]

I never understood this not looking like a tourist thing. How do you not look like a tourist when people often know just by looking at you (and listening to you) that your British? What sort of clothes should I be wearing to look like a non-tourist anyway?


Hahaha I mean extreme tourist - bum bag, map/guide book in hand all the time a hat/bag/tshirt that says "I love Paris" or something similar. I think you just look like an easy target thats all!!!

 

[kevankiki]

Hahaha I mean extreme tourist - bum bag, map/guide book in hand all the time a hat/bag/tshirt that says "I love Paris" or something similar. I think you just look like an easy target thats all!!!

OIC My DD always insists maps are kept hidden away, and while I do see the reasoning behind that, I don't understand how you expect to get around a strange city without one. Surely wandering up a back alley would be just as risky?

 

[Emergency Kitten]

I've been targeted but luckily my husband spotted it and pulled me away - some little oik was trying to undo the zip on my backpack. Since then, no backpack type handbags, and when we travel through central Paris with a lot of luggage (e.g. totally obviously a tourist) my husband always turns his rucksack around and puts it on his front. Basically keep everything in your sightline, handbags, backpacks etc.

Usual advice really. Keep valuables in an inside pocket, keep everything close to you, women - bring handbags to your front instead of slinging them over your shoulder, etc.

We tend not to talk much on the metro so as not to advertise we're British, too.

Work out your route before you get on the train, know where you're going and where to get off, look confident, walk briskly, etc etc.

In terms of maps - we found a little map that is more like a book than a big fold out map, much less obvious.

However at the end of the day I feel safer in Paris than I do in London. (and I go to London every day!)

 

[gemmybear83]

OIC My DD always insists maps are kept hidden away, and while I do see the reasoning behind that, I don't understand how you expect to get around a strange city without one. Surely wandering up a back alley would be just as risky?

No I'm not saying don't go around without one..... I just wouldnt walk around with a huge fold out map all the time - but I would obviously take a map along with me

 

[BONITATIME]

I have to say I don't find the underground in Paris any more scary than in any big city. I actually crossed Paris after midnight last december on my own with 2 cases and had no trouble at all. The only thing I am caeful is not to make eye contact but I think this is more as I live in a tourist area and am used to helping people who are lost/confused.
In any big city or tourist area you need to be careful of pick pockets.