Top 10 hotspots for pickpocketing tourists: Europe accounts for the majority.

Petty theft rarely gets public attention like violent crimes, yet it ruins more holidays than any single incident. Recent data compiled from traveler reviews, police reports, and travel insurance claims has painted a fairly clear picture of where this problem is most severe, and the results may surprise you.

Research from the price comparison website Compare the Market has highlighted the worst places, cited by international news outlets, and here are the top 10 global pickpocketing hotspots:

1. Paris, France

Paris consistently tops most global rankings for theft targeting tourists, and the statistics speak for themselves. A 2025 study by Radical Storage, based on an analysis of over 13,000 traveler reviews, showed Paris ranked first in the world, accounting for 16.5% of all mentions related to theft. Paris led the global rankings by a significant margin, with nearly 30% of all reviews mentioning "pickpocketing."

The "hot spots" for theft have been clearly documented and show considerable consistency across studies. The Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and Gare du Nord are frequent locations for such incidents, along with the metro system – particularly the central lines and the RER line to Charles de Gaulle Airport. The scale of the problem becomes even clearer when considering regional figures, as Paris records over 260,000 thefts annually across the Île-de-France region.

Photo: Reuters

2. Las Vegas, USA

Scams and pickpocketing are rampant in this city – perhaps unsurprising given its reputation as a "gambling paradise." The city scores 47.69 out of 100 on the fear of being robbed or mugged, indicating that many tourists feel completely unsafe visiting.

3. New York, USA

New York scored 49.68/100 for fear of being mugged or robbed, although it's worth noting that international visitors are generally more concerned about scams. Losing belongings is also a major concern here, in addition to the risk of theft.

4. Rome, Italy

In 2024, Rome recorded over 2,000 robberies – a 51.3% increase compared to 2019 – while pickpocketing surged to 33,455 cases (a 68.0% increase); notably, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon consistently rank among the world's most "dangerous" tourist destinations.

Photo: Reuters

5. Los Angeles, USA

Los Angeles scores 15.2 out of 100 on the petty theft and fraud index. The city is notorious for petty crime, despite its glamorous appearance. You need to be especially vigilant in nightlife areas and crowded tourist spots like Hollywood Boulevard.

6. London, United Kingdom

In London, pickpocketing is extremely common, with typical tactics including targeting shoppers, operating in groups to distract victims, and taking advantage of crowded places to conceal the crime.

7. Athens, Greece

With the influx of tourists, the Acropolis ancient site has become a breeding ground for thieves, so visitors need to be extremely careful and vigilant.

8. Sofia, Bulgaria

With a score of 29.19 out of 100, Sofia (Bulgaria) ranks 8th. Scams are a significant concern here, particularly overcharging by taxis and currency exchange scams. However, you should be especially cautious around Sofia Central Station, the Central Bus Terminal, and Lion's Bridge, as these areas can feel unsafe, especially at night.

Photo: Reuters

9. Barcelona, ​​Spain

Pickpockets often blend into the crowds on Las Ramblas – one of Barcelona's busiest streets – as well as in Catalunya Square, the Barrio Gotico district, and Carrer Montcada. According to Barcelona police, pickpocketing accounted for 48.1% of all crimes in the city in 2023.

The good news is that this trend seems to be reversing thanks to a vigorous police crackdown. According to the Mossos d'Esquadra force, between January and June 2026 alone, 85 repeat offenders with prior convictions were arrested – four times the number for the same period in 2025. However, the situation has not completely improved, and it's worth noting that criminals often follow a pattern: they target places that have three key elements: crowded areas, unsuspecting tourists, and quick escape routes.

10. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rounding out this list is Amsterdam – a city that also faces pickpocketing every year, like many other major European cities. High-risk areas include Dam Square, Central Station, the Rijksmuseum, and some areas within the red-light district at night.