The 10 worst places in Europe for pickpocketing have been named, with Paris, Rome and London among the continent’s hotspots.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cities which make the cut are popular tourist destinations which attract millions of visitors every year.
Greece’s capital Athens is listed by travel.alot.com as one spot where travellers might want to be on their guard against pickpockets.
Though it doesn’t point to any figures, the travel website warns it pays to be cautious when wandering around the city, which is home to the world famous Parthenon.
Second on the list is Florence, Italy, where pickpockets disguise themselves as tourists to blend in, according to travel.alot.com.
The travel experts warn visitors to the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region to be particularly aware when getting off or on public transport or while visiting one of Florence’s many attractions.
Next on the list is Amsterdam, which according to travel.alot.com is generally a very safe city free of crime. However, the city’s red light district at night is identified as a particular pickpocketing hotspot.
Rome is another city where travellers are advised to keep their wits about them, especially in busy tourist attractions such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Coliseum.
Prague in Czechia is another place on the list, with a warning from travel.alot.com to avoid changing currency with street vendors.
Madrid’s El Rastro flea market is identified as a pickpocketing hotspot, with claims children work in groups to target unwitting tourists.
Other pickpocketing “danger zones” in the Spanish capital include Puerta del Sol, Palacio Real and the Sabatini Gardens.
Thieves in Paris sometimes snatch belongings on the city’s Metro trains, just before train carriage doors shut, according to travel.alot.com.
Travellers are therefore advised to stand away from open doors, but also to be aware when among the crowds at the city’s famous museums and top tourist attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower.
Barcelona is another Spanish city on the list. While violent crime is rare, pickpocketing is “a major problem”, travel.alot.com claims.
Pickpocketing in Vatican City, which is the smallest country in the world and the home of Pope Francis, is worse than in Rome, the travel website says. It describes St Peter’s Square in the Holy City as “Ground Zero” for theft.
Last, but not least, London is the final European destination where light-fingered thieves are on the lookout for unsuspecting visitors.
Oxford Street is reportedly the worst place for pickpocketing, though common sense and caution should ensure your trip isn’t spoilt by petty thieves.