Visiting Europe in the spring and wondering what the best way to avoid pickpocketing is. Obviously, we won't carry large amounts of cash, etc, but for the stuff we do have to carry (passport, credit card, a bit of cash) what is the best way to protect it? Neck wallet, money belt? A better option?

James
Here are a couple of youtube videos on pickpockets, that you might find interesting Melissa. The first one is from a guy who travels the world and makes videos about the places he goes to and gives advice on several things, his videos are under Wolter's world and the second video is written words put to music for the top 13 things about pickpockets... Very informative.

Thank you!

I just flew back from 10 days in Europe in three countries. We travel a lot so have been through many pickpocket places and never had an issue.
Advice: never let your guard down, trust no one (seriously), get yourself a slashproof purse (I use travelon brand) and use the locks on the purse and always carry cross body in front of you. I know others have said backpacks in front are ok but I’ve heard twice on my travels (once Florence, once Rome) where items were stolen from front facing packs. As for internal pockets, my uncle had his euros stolen from his inside pocket in Barcelona. Don’t let the idea of the pickpockets ruin your holiday, just keep your wits about you and try not to look too touristy
. Enjoy your vacation!

Having suffered the indignity of being pickpocketed (purse was stealthily removed from my fanny pack) on the metro in Rome, I speak from experience! Carry little cash and use waist (or neck) money belts. If you must use a purse or similar, use one that has security embedded in the straps so that it can't be cut through.

And put your moneybelt or neck wallets UNDER your clothes.

I've spent extensive time in Europe (50+ days in the last 18 months) and have been in a lot of the major cities (London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona etc) as well as small towns and villages and have never had an issue. I keep my wallet in my back pants pocket, the same as I do at home and we generally take the metro/subway in major cities. You just always need to be vigilant and if you're really concerned, keep your important items in your front pockets or keep your packs on the front. You shouldn't have any more of an issue in Europe than you do in a major North American city.

My wife and daughter use these packs and flip them under their arms when they have concerns. https://www.mec.ca/.../5032-791/Right-Hand-Pod-Sling-Pack They packs are awesome with multiple exterior zippers and do have interior zippers so you can make things more secure.
MEC.CA
MEC Right Hand Pod Sling Pack - Unisex

My brother had his wallet (with credit cards and cash) stolen from his back pocket, while on St. Peter's Square. Most security people would advise against using the back pocket.

I agree. Be aware...like always.

I've been to Europe a few times now and I've used this lululemon fanny pack everytime. I use it as a cross body bag and keep it in the front of me. Light, simple and I've had zero problems!

Make sure you brink few forms of payment (different credit cards and debit cards) so you have some in case some get stolen. I separate them (leave some at the hotels and other with different people).

I always just wear a shoulder bag with a zipper and a flap over it, when I’m in a large crowd always have my hand on my bag. I’ve travelled pretty extensively in Europe and never had a problem- but I know people that have. Just be careful and aware of your surroundings.

I had to grab on to the bar on the Rome metro and that is likely when my purse was stolen, or perhaps it was as we were jostled on the way out of the train. I had been warned many times and was being careful, yet the crooks won....again.

which is why I have the zipper and the Velcro flap on my purse. But I was in Europe and travelling for a little over a year and never had a problem.

Look up Travelon anti theft purses/backpacks. Check Amazon-weaved with metal and has secured zippers. Just came back from Europe and felt very secure and safe

Whenever you leave the hotel, hostel you are staying at, only bring necessary money, camera with you. Try to leave things like passport, extra money at your place of residence you are staying at, some places have safes...Other things you can do are don't put a wallet in your back pocket, if you have a bag or purse make sure it has a good zipper and keep it closed at all times and try to keep it in front of you and pay attention to your surroundings because pickpockets look for distracted individuals and if someone comes up to you and is to helpful by aware that it maybe a possibliity he/she could be after your money, another thing they try to do is bump into you and while your dealing with the issue another person pickpockets you... Also if you don't have it or are limited in what you have then they won't be able to make you a victim. Remember its about reduceing the possibility of becoming a victim and always keep your guard up, have fun and try to enjoy where you are..

And be alert for distractions. A man on the Circumvesuviana train sat down facing us and a few minutes later did a sudden « shocked » look at something behind us (expecting us to turn around whereby he would grab something). We just kept looking at him and held our stuff even tighter. He moved on after trying it a few more times.

I use a PacSafe backpack for the bigger travel days. Then on regular days I just carry my phone and wallet in my front pocket. You don't have to carry your Passport everywhere you go so leave that in your room (locked in your PackSafe bag) and you typically only need a small amount of cash as credit cards are accepted in most places. So just limit your exposure and then don't stress about it.

We were in Paris and London last spring, used neck wallet for our passports and money. Its usually chilly in the spring, so you can hide it inside your jacket. Don't let pickpockets' ruined your holidays. We used the metro and just blend with the crowds, you'll be fine

All the advice so far re cross body and front backpacks are great.....do not use your pockets....and when on busy trains etc....use an arm across your bag to boot. Photocopy your credits front and back....then have a copy in your google drive..that way if you are picked....you have your card numbers and contacts numbers handy at any internet cafe.
If you have someone try to distract you, push cardboard at you, etc...just walk away.
And when you are on a busy train focus on your pockets so you get the feel of what being picked feels like... It will help you know when you are in am area that you then need to be more aware....

We just returned from Italy and Spain. Italy pickpocketing is bad but we had no issues with that. We did have problems w people trying to scam us- being very friendly giving directions and then trying to shake us down. Begging is pretty aggressive as well.

The only place I encountered beggars was in Budapest, which was an old lady with hand out and speaking in Hungarian and all I said was no with a head shake also

Don't recommend back pocket. I had my wallet in my front pocket in Barcelona and an attempt was made to pickpocket me. It was one of those little 'security' wallets with a small chain that loops up to my belt loop. I didn't realize I was being pickpocketed until the culprit had the wallet out and the chain prevented him from taking it at which point it just dropped against my leg. By the time I looked around in the very crowded Sagrada Familia lineup he was already gone. Another person on our trip had their wallet taken. Also recommend the small cross body backpacks worn in front. I've even used money belts. Better safe than sorry.

Put multiple cards and IDs in different locations so that if something does happen, you won't be completely stuck. And watch for mopeds when walking as a pedestrian and it's not uncommon for them to slash/snatch a crossbody or purse and grab it while on a bike.

PacSafe items are the best. My husband carries a crossbody messenger bag and I have a crossbody purse. We’ve been to Europe 3 times and never had any problems. Pick pockets will look for easier targets.

Agree 100%. Tamper-safe locks, fabrics and straps that can’t be sliced through. They also make great travel wallets that are RFID safe. I never travel without my pacsafe stuff. I will say though that if fashion is a concern for you while traveling, these don’t look like anything but a travel purse. But for me, the security of mind is worth it.

Neck wallet or money belt, either is great, depends which is more comfortable for you. Or use both depending on how much you want to carry with you. Either one, make sure it’s out of sight under your clothing.

I use a purse which goes across your body, facing the front. Leave your passport in the room safe, do not carry lots of cash, people watch you when you pay for stuff, can see your cash.

I just carried all my stuff in a backpack I wore on my front when in crowded places. You don't have to buy a cut proof bag, just store valuables in the internal pockets

Leather purse strap, crossbody. Zippered pocket that is against the body. After being pickpocketed once in Paris. This method has worked great two times since

PacSafe has some great products to help... you can purchase at
MEC/Campers Village in Edmonton ... https://www.pacsafe.com/default
PACSAFE.COM
Anti-Theft Travel Bags, Backpacks and More by Pacsafe

Crossbody bags were one of the most popular way in Europe. Wallet in the pocket is inviting trouble especially in a crowded bus or train.

Second this. I always use a crossbody purse and just keep it in front of me. All money/phone is zippered into an interior pocket. Nothing of value kept in the exterior pockets. You’ll be good

Keep it light and hands free! Neck wallets are awesome. If you need more space, add a money belt and regardless, wear either under your clothing.

They have those sneaky pocket underware

Ya having to dig in one of those at a store is outside of my comfort zone.

Whenever you see a sign warning about pickpockets do not grab wherever your valuables are this just lets the low lifes know where your wallet ect. is

Check this anti-purse out. I'm hoping to get one soon. https://sashbag.ca

From their website.
•Fits every phone on the market, including the iPhone 6+
•Keeps items like keys at your fingertips
•Features a built-in wallet for cards and cash, with RFID protection
•Includes a discreet, zippered passport pocket
•Small, stacked pockets to store items like chapstick, lip gloss, mints, gum, hair pins, and more
•Large zippered pockets for items like pens, checkbook, sunglasses, and more
•Completely symmetrical, ergonomic design
•Stays put, won't move around, and is completely flat on the hip
•Keep it on while driving, walking, biking, eating, and even using the restroom.

some cash, passport copy, debit card in pockets, passport in hotel safe
ditch the wallet thing and don't look like a tourist )

I wear a packsafe fanny pack. Can't be cut through and has locking mechanisms.20 countries and good so far...knock on wood

I also use one of these for my big bills and tuck it. Works really good

Don’t carry your passport. Lock it up in your room safe.

https://www.amazon.ca/.../B00BJ8.../ref=ox_sc_act_title_2...
AMAZON.CA
Lewis N. Clark RFID Clip Stash, Brown, One Size

https://youtu.be/0L4R3sSVstc
YOUTUBE.COM
How to avoid pickpockets-Expert tips

https://youtu.be/U8JFxbevCQc
YOUTUBE.COM
13 Ways How Pickpockets Rob You!