Tourists face dangerous 'crush-and-grab' pickpocket schemes in major city

When it comes to traveling abroad, some people may be worried about their safety and want to keep their guard up.

In the "r/ParisTravelGuide" forum on Reddit, a traveler asked others for advice on pickpockets. 

The user added, "We tend to look quite innocent, and we're worried we might be easy targets for pickpockets. We won't have a tour guide and will be managing everything on our own."

Others on the platform took to the comments section to share advice and their own experiences.

Another user shared, "In the last 2 years, I've stopped two pickpockets in the subway. In one case, they were reaching into someone's backpack and in the other for a phone in a loose back pocket. The strategy is to keep [your] items in places that are difficult to access."

Said a different person, "Stay alert in touristy areas, keep your bag in front of you on the Metro, and avoid engaging with strangers who approach you (anyone)."

Said yet another person, "I'm staggered how many tourists I see on the Metro with a backpack on. Makes it so easy for pickpockets to steal from them."

A Redditor wrote, "The [number] of people I watched on their phones by the doors of the trains was staggering and does present an opportunistic grab-and-run scenario. Don't do that."

Each year some 2,000 Americans report their passports stolen or lost in Paris, according to the U.S. Embassy in France. 

Says the site, "The first rule of thumb is don't have anything more in your wallet than you are willing to lose."

The embassy also advises bringing only one credit card or ATM card along and only one piece of identification.

Travelers are also advised not to bring along more than $50 to $60 in cash.

The embassy also discusses the different tactics pickpocketers use, whether on the street or on public transportation.

If riding the Metro, the embassy says that "the most popular is the crush-and-grab. You will be swarmed by several people all trying to get on or off."

"While they are pushing you, they are also picking your pockets," notes the advisory.

Pickpocketers most frequently use a distraction technique on the streets. 

"Two or more people will approach you and ask for directions, try to sell you stuff or just crowd you. While you are occupied with one person, another is picking your pocket," the embassy says. 

The Consular Section of the Embassy has information on how to replace certain items which have been stolen or lost.