Safeguarding Your Belongings: Essential Tips for Tourists Travelling Overseas this Summer​​

Just a few days ago, the Foreign Office issued a new update for British tourists travelling to Spain this summer. The update urged tourists to keep their eyes peeled for street crime by distraction thieves and 'highway pirates’.

Whilst Spain is infamous for pickpocketing in cities such as Barcelona, there are also many other tourist spots around the world where thieves thrive off of targeting tourists.

This is why at Jonathan Merry, CEO of MoneyTransfers.com has put together some valuable tips and strategies to help tourists safeguard their belongings on their upcoming trips this summer.

Stay Aware and Vigilant: Unplug yourself from those airpods and pay attention to what’s going on around you. This advice is particularly useful if you’re relocating to Barcelona, Rome or Paris, which have been named as the three worst cities in the world for pickpockets. In fact, tourists travelling within Europe should keep an extra close eye on their surroundings, as all of the top ten cities listed are within the continent. To do this, simply zone in on anyone who you feel is acting suspiciously and, although it might sound like a cliché, try to steer clear of large groups of teenagers. The average age of a pickpocket is 16 years’ old, in part because of the fact that children unable to be arrested for the offence. Take extra care in crowded areas where pickpockets are more likely to operate and avoid any unnecessary distractions, such as using your phone or playing music at a high volume.

Utilize Secure Bags and Pockets: Investing in a secure bag or backpack can have a very real deterrent effect on pickpockets. Look for bags with slash-proof straps and reinforced bottoms, which make it harder for thieves to snatch your belongings. Alternatively, wear a money belt, or similarly a bumbag underneath an oversized hoodie will keep your valuable belongings out of sight. Bags with zippers and fasteners that can be locked add in an extra layer of security and there are many companies that excel in making clothing and accessories with hidden compartments, such as the Bluffworks Blazer, which has ten hidden pockets.

Minimize Valuables and Use Alternative Storage: When venturing out, only carry essential items with you. That means leaving most valuables, including expensive jewellery and excessive amounts of cash, in a secure location, such as a hotel safe or a secure locker. Consider using forex cards or peer-to-peer payment providers to limit the amount of cash you have on your person. You should carry a photocopy of your passport rather than original document, keeping the latter stowed safely away. Almost 400,000 British passports are reported lost or stolen each year, and while this amounts to less than 1% of all passports in circulation, with passport theft often linked to identity crime it’s a risk that’s simply not worth taking.

Keep Your Belongings Close: Keep your belongings close to your body in crowded places, especially when taking public transport, roaming around tourist hotspots or exploring bustling markets. You should avoid hanging bags or purses loosely on the back of chairs or leaving them unattended. Instead, consider investing in a bag clip which attaches your bag to a bar or restaurant table, deterring would-be thieves because it can only be removed with the use of both hands. Alternatively dipping bells are an inexpensive solution: at around £2, these small bells are designed to jingle if a thief moves your item. Also consider wearing cross-body bags that can be worn front of you, making it harder for pickpockets to access your belongings without your knowledge.

Be Cautious in Crowded Areas: I’ve said it before, but the busier the area the more likely you are to be targeted by pickpockets. Barcelona is the pickpocket capital of the world and most tourists are targeted on Las Ramblas, the City Centre Metro stops and La Sagrada Familia.

The situation is the same wherever you happen to be in the world, with public transportation and tourist attractions being the prime hunting ground for pickpockets. Be cautious in such environments and wise up to their tactics. In Barcelona, pickpockets often adopt some form of decoy to distract the victim’s attention, and a common ploy involves marking a victim with milk. The victim is then approached by a kind passer-by who alerts the victim to the presence of the stain and offers to help, distracting them while they root around the inside of their bag. Similar tactics involve creating an altercation at the entrance to a doorway, or playing a lost tourist with an oversized map which conveniently covers the view of your handbag. If you notice someone invading your personal space or acting suspiciously, create distance and move to a more secure location. Do not hesitate to report any suspicious activity to the Police or security guards.

Blend In with the Local Culture: Take the time to observe and understand the local culture and customs of the place you’re exploring. There is a perception in many countries that tourists and expats are ‘wealthy’ and as a result are more commonly targeted than locals. Sadly this is even more so with Asian tourists because Chinese travellers are the world’s biggest spenders, and have a predilection for carrying cash rather than credit cards. In most cases, dressing and behaving like a local can help you avoid standing out as a potential target. Dress modestly when appropriate and avoid wearing flashy or expensive items that might attract unwanted attention. Kara Harms of Whimsy Soul recommends avoiding anything with large English words or big American brands on them as they scream “I don’t live here” regardless of whether or not that’s the case. Being inconspicuous can go a long way in deterring pickpockets.

If any of the above is used, please credit MoneyTransfers.com