Top 26 Cities with the Highest Pickpocket Risk

Petty Theft—How They Do it? (YouTube link)

Based on an article from travel.alot.com, it lists the 26 worst cities for pickpocketing. As the article reminds us:

“These are the cities that make you want to walk around with your hand in your own pocket to ensure your wallet stays where it belongs.

We’re not saying you shouldn’t visit any of these cities. We just think that you may want to be a little extra cautious when walking around in crowds or standing in one place for too long.”Before diving into the full list, it’s worth looking at how modern pickpocketing actually works — and why staying alert matters more than ever.

Before diving into the full list, it’s worth looking at how modern pickpocketing actually works — and why staying alert matters more than ever. 
 

European Travel Skills: Avoiding Theft (YouTube link)

1️⃣ How Pickpocketing Teams Operate 

Remember the key principle: pickpocketing is a team sport. Most thefts are coordinated, fast, and silent.

• Spotter / Observer: Scans crowds for easy targets — open bags, distracted tourists, visible valuables.
• Distractor: Creates noise, confusion, or overly “friendly” interaction to pull your attention away.
• Thief: Moves in during the distraction to make the actual grab.
• Enforcer: Blocks your path or pretends innocence to slow you down if you react.

Understanding these roles makes it easier to recognize suspicious behavior before it becomes a problem.

2️⃣Personal Stories & Prevention Tips

Encounters: Backpack stolen in a silent distraction setup inside a Barcelona basilica; targeted by a Madrid couple using fake stains and “cleaning” to access my bags.

Best defenses:  

• Keep sling or cross‑body bags in front with a hand on the zipper
• Use a money belt for passports and valuables
• Avoid storing anything in pants pockets
• Stay zipped and alert in crowds and transit
• Stay calm, ignore distractions, and watch for coordinated teams
• Consider hiring a local guide for safer navigation
• Avoid crowded metro cars, especially near the doors — a prime zone for pickpocket activity; if a train is too packed to enter comfortably, skip it and wait for the next one

These simple habits make a huge difference — especially in cities where pickpocketing is more common. 

3️⃣26 Worst Cities for Pickpocketing

With these precautions in mind, here are the cities most frequently cited for pickpocket activity. Stay alert for children, women, or elders working in groups to distract you while a partner lifts your belongings. 

1. Athens, Greece
2. Florence, Italy
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
6. Rome, Italy
7. Prague, Czech Republic
8. Madrid, Spain
9. Paris, France
10. Barcelona, Spain
11. Detroit, Michigan
12. Vatican City, Italy
13. Memphis, Tennessee
14. Mexico City, Mexico
15. Kiev, Ukraine
16. Beijing, China
17. Caracas, Venezuela
18. Cairo, Egypt
19. Cordoba, Argentina
20. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
21. Belize City, Belize
22. La Paz, Bolivia
23. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
24. Moscow, Russia
25. Acapulco, Mexico
26. Baltimore, Maryland

4️⃣ My Personal Experiences in Spain

Here’s what these risks looked like during my own travels in Spain. 

My Brush with Pickpockets and Thieves in Spain

5️⃣Travel Smart: Final Thoughts 

Pickpocketing is common in many of the world’s most beautiful cities, but it doesn’t have to define your trip. A bit of awareness, a few simple habits, and an understanding of how these teams operate can dramatically reduce your risk. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and enjoy these destinations with confidence.  habits make a huge difference — especially in cities where pickpocketing is more common. 

6️⃣References

1. 26 Worst Cities for Pickpocketing
2. Travel Tips in Spain
3. Barcelona Travel (Travel for a Purpose)
4. Madrid Travel (Travel for a Purpose)
5. 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur: The Perfect Itinerary (2022)