How to Pickpocket Proof Yourself in Europe in 2026

Comments · 323

• FR

  @franktozier3184 · 3 months ago · pinned

  Because of your Youtube video's my wife broke up a pick pocketing attempt on me in Paris last summer. She kept her eyes  on the pair. They left the area seeing that they were spotted. I also foiled the clipboard scammers by saying  NO quite loudly. It got everyones attention. Thank you Wolter.

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• EL

  @elettner · 3 months ago

  Distraction is your enemy.

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• KA

  @kallmejayms · 3 weeks ago

  Notice a few pick pockters working together in Berlin, me being petty AF.. they were so busy watching this older couple.  The one that held all the times had a big bag, I was like I bet that has a lot of stolen stuff in there.  Well, when that one was off guard I walked by had a look inside and notice a bunch of wallets.. So I just took it and walked off, into the crowds.   Got back to my hotel and notified everyone that had their IDs in there, that I would be dropping their stuff off at X police station if they want to get it back.    I bet the Pick pocketers weren't expecting to be pick pocketed themselves.

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• ST

  @StamfordBridge · 3 months ago

  Never put your phone down on a table. It's either in your hand or hidden away in an inaccessible pocket or place.

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• 1B

  @1butterontoast · 3 months ago

  We were swarmed by about 15 girls asking for “directions” in Paris. I had read about that technique right before we started our vacation. I  started yelling No!!! Over and over again. They had a few choice words for us. It worked. They weren’t able to take any of our belongings.

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• GE

  @georgecouper9196 · 1 month ago

  Tips not covered --- I'm 80 years old and have walked everywhere many times alone in Paris. I haven't had a problem, yet. Before I take my phone out of a zipped jacket or front pocket for map directions, I step away from or to the side of foot traffic where I can have my back to a wall. Or I have map directions to destination on bluetooth with earbuds. The less I take my phone out, the better. Same with cash or credit/debit card or passport. I keep the one card I use for Euros in a zipped or front pocket. Passport is kept in another front pocket, never together with cards or cash or phone. I never take a wallet. Also, if I must carry any of these in a man-bag, I only have ones that can be zipped and have inner-wire cable straps that can't be cut. These steps help me relax and enjoy the adventure.

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• CA

  @carolynearles7544 · 3 months ago

  I wear a travel vest . Everything important inside zipped up . My cards are in small wallet chained to inside of my pocket . Phone on heavy lanyard . Love your videos

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• SE

  @selinawilson2872 · 3 months ago

  If there's nothing in your pocket there's nothing to pick! I also wear a bag with a cross body strap, where I can close the zip and keep my hand on the top 👍

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• CH

  @chefevans5705 · 3 months ago

  Agreed about the petition scammers. If someone is in a scalding hot parking lot on a Sunday asking you to sign a petition - 100% scam and they have someone working with them.

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• JE

  @jessecuster42 · 3 months ago

  I used a smartwatch to navigate, pay, and translate. Keep my wallet,phone, and passport, in my satchel under my coat, and out of sight.

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• YO

  @YolanivanderWesthuizen · 3 months ago (edited)

  That&apos;s why I have a caribiner on my bag. The caribiner is hooked on my pants. My phone is on a cord hooked on my pants. I only wear one earbud to listen to directions.<br><br>On another note my dad was in a local shop when they tried to pickpocket his phone out of his shirt pocket. The lady asked for help to get something of the top shelve, the guy then reached around to grab my dad&apos;s phone. My dad was however faster than they thought he would be.

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• RU

  @russmeans · 3 months ago

  We were in Budapest and a little old lady zeroed in on my aunt at a plaza. &nbsp;We were back just a ways and my wife spotted her go from lottering to going directly at her. My wife grabbed my aunt&apos;s arm and steered her away. &nbsp;I stepped between them and the old lady. She gave me a very dirty look, but new she was busted. So it&apos;s not just younger people, this lady looked in her 60s or so.

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