Tourists travelling to foreign soils this summer have been told to stay vigilant regarding a common scam used by pickpockets to distract and steal from unsuspecting travellers. While these con artists are a problem on a global level, they seem to be rife in European tourist hotspots like Barcelona, Benidorm and Paris.
Taking to Reddit, one tourist who was planning a tip to the French capital, suggested that pickpockets may bump into you as a distraction technique. Taking to social media, the user known as NiagaraThistle, said: "Any time someone bumps into you, crowded location or not, put your hand to the pocket your wallet is in and subtly check to make sure it is still there.
"Pickpockets will bump into you to distract you from their hands going in your pockets. Don’t be paranoid, just know that this happens."
Read more: Expert warning that holiday pickpockets 'mark' tourists if they are carrying one item
The Express reports that pickpockets may collide purposefully with travellers, using the moment of distraction to steal items from their pockets before making off. It's a wise idea to keep any valuable items inside a flat money belt, which can be concealed under clothing.
Tourists can also store their most precious items in a hotel safe, to protect them from opportunistic thieves while they're out and about. The Reddit user, continued: "If you are carrying cash, keep only one day’s worth of your budget in your wallet.
"Keep your wallet in a hard to access pocket preferably with a button closure. Keep your primary credit card in this wallet and pocket too."
In which case, if the worst scenario of being stolen from does occur, at least they wont have taken absolutely everything from you. Meanwhile, a Parisian under the username VinceBiskui, added: "Just stay away from any pack of guys that are obviously trying to distract you. They are mostly around super touristic areas."
In Paris in particular, these spots include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Champs Elysee and train stations taking people to and from Disneyland. The local also warned that 'people in Paris will never talk to you', so tourists should be incredibly suspicious of anyone trying to catch their attention - even momentarily.
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