Global pickpocketing hotspots

Between selfies at world-famous landmarks and leisurely restaurant visits, a risk lurks on many holidays that travelers often underestimate: professional pickpockets. A slight bump in a crowd — and seconds later, a wallet can vanish without a trace.

What may sound like a scene from a film is an everyday reality in many global metropolises. Pickpockets mercilessly exploit moments of distraction, especially at major attractions and on packed subway trains.

A recent study by luggage storage provider Radical Storage highlights the destinations where travelers are most frequently targeted by theft, fraud, or robbery. Researchers analyzed more than 13,000 English-language Google reviews published between October 2024 and November 2025.

The study examined 100 cities featured in the prestigious «Top 100 City Destinations Index». Analysts filtered reviews for terms such as «pickpocket,» «robbery,» and «fraud,» while excluding cities with insufficient data. The result offers a revealing snapshot of where tourists tend to feel secure — and where caution is advised.

Where pickpockets lurk — and where it’s more relaxed

At the top of the less-than-flattering ranking sits the French capital, Paris. It is hardly surprising: millions of visitors stream each year to the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre, where heavy crowds are simply part of daily life.

Italy’s capital, Rome, takes second place. Congested squares and busy transport hubs provide ideal conditions for pickpockets to operate unnoticed. Barcelona rounds out the top three, with particular vigilance recommended along the bustling Las Ramblas boulevard.

The analysis also sheds light on crimes beyond pickpocketing. Robberies are mentioned most frequently in Orlando, Florida, while India’s capital, New Delhi, stands out for reported cases of fraud.

Zurich, the Peruvian capital Lima, the southern French metropolis Nice, and Vietnam's capital Hanoi, among others, show that there is another way. These cities rarely appear in Google reviews in connection with theft. Many travelers report relaxed and safe stays there.

It is important to note that the study does not measure the actual crime rate, but rather the perception of travelers. Nevertheless, it clearly shows that heavily frequented cities in particular carry an increased risk of petty crime. However, if you remain alert, keep your valuables close to your body, and don't let yourself be distracted, you can still enjoy your city break in a relaxed manner.