World’s worst pickpocket destinations
Barcelona tops list
TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, yesterday revealed the world’s worst tourist destinations for pickpocketing.
For the second year running Barcelona topped the TripAdvisor Pickpocket Index and London entered the top 10 for the first time.
The 2010 Pickpocket Index is based solely on TripAdvisor site data, calculating the number of times travellers use the term pickpocket (and translations of) in their TripAdvisor reviews in the last 12 months.
All 10 spots in this year’s TripAdvisor Pickpocket Index are snatched by European cities – with the top two places unchanged from last year.
These are the following (number in brackets shows last year’s placing
1. Barcelona (1); 2. Rome (2); 3. Paris (5); 4. Madrid (-); 5. Athens (9); 6. Prague (3); 7. Costa Brava (-); 8. Lisbon (-); 9. Tenerife (-); 10. London(-).
“All these destinations offer a great experience for travellers and people should not be put off visiting. This index simply reinforces that extra care should be taken, especially in the busier tourist areas.
“By taking some simple precautions one will be able to enjoy a fun and hassle-free holiday wherever he goes,” explained TripAdvisor’s Emma O’Boyle.
Tips for holidaymakers
• Maintain vigilance, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
• Avoid letting others see where you keep your money; be as inconspicuous as possible when paying for things.
• Keep all valuables on your person and close to you at all times, preferably in front of your body. Wear your backpack under your arm rather than on your back.
• If you must carry a purse or bag, choose one that you can carry across your chest.
• Store money and credit cards in a money belt around your waist or neck.
• Place the strap of a purse or backpack under your chair leg to deter pickpockets while you are seated at a restaurant. Never leave a bag hanging on the back of your chair.
• Leave anything you don’t need (like passports, tickets) locked in your hotel safe. Take only one credit card and a small amount of cash out each day.