A traveller busy on her iPhone in the Paris metro!
Both the Interior Ministry and the local Paris train company (RATP) have warned that in the Paris metros there has been a large increase in pick-pocketing. An increase of 40% of reported thefts over the last year has astounded the French Interior Minister, Monsieur Hortefeux.
Of the reported thefts the majority of stolen items have been smartphones and in particular the iPhone. The Minister has encouraged the RATP to warn travellers of the risk of pick-pockets in the metros, as well as discussed with product providers whether there is a way of remotely and quickly disabling the use of stolen phones to make them worthless for subsequent operation.
In any major city such thefts are always a major issue and tourists in particular seem to have a “she’ll be right attitude” when touring around Paris. My family and I have observed on many occasions thieves in action. I hear often from my readers and travellers in Paris that they are safe carrying their handbags across their shoulders. However I have personally seen a number of handbags just ripped away from people before the thieves disappear in to the crowd. Once on Blvd St Germain near the St Germain metro stop a businessman was carrying his briefcase strapped across his shoulder and under his arm – a thief grabbed the bag and just continued pulling the man along the road until the strap broke and the thief disappeared with the bag including his computer into the metro never to be seen again!
Not everyone waits for their metro this way!
I always say to people to be security conscious. For men, never carry a credit card or too much money in your wallet – credit cards and excess cash should be carried in a security belt under your clothes. For ladies remember that a handbag is not secure – in fact it would be the least secure of anything! Now that you know that Smartphones are such a target, make sure you keep these well out of way – after all we don’t want thieves picking Apples in the Paris metro!!
But Paris is beautiful – enjoy it safely!
Thanks for the update on iPhone thefts and the reminder that we should always be security-conscious, especially as a tourist.
i had heard that paris was a hive of pick-pocket activity and travelling in the metro there felt kinda sketchy. i always associate pick-pocketing with third world countries for some reason, but obviously thats not the whole story.
by the way, love the title of the post, classic.
Thanks Jamie. In fact after just returning from India I felt far safer there than I do in Europe. An Apple a day….
I always try to be really aware of the people, surroundings, everything around me as I’m traveling or in transit, esp. on public transport. Luckily, I haven’t been hit by this, but thanks for the reminder to keep those things in the front of our minds.
Love the title of this post! Very creative! Sad to see theft like this is on the rise. However, I travel EVERYWHERE with a money belt under my clothes. Never big on cash and you would never get anything off of me without stripping me naked. I like to dress and be hands free so I don’t look like a tourist. I was even mistaken in Paris for a local. So completely agree with your tips!
Thanks Jeremy. You sound just like me!! With the money belt I always put the bulky part of the belt around in the small of my back, because I’m a bit vain and I don’t like bulges in the front!!! But you do that too, right?!
Actually I keep the bulky part in front. It’s where the valuables are. You interpret that how you want!
I always carry my bag strapped across my shoulder – but I guess if someone really wants to take it, they’re going to get it somehow. I never carry a day back pack as a few of my friends have had belongings taken from their back pack while they’ve been standing on buses and trains.
Julia
Thanks Julia. If you wear a day pack, have it carryed to the front of you – but again don’t carry anything in it that you would want to lose!
I was about to write a post about women’s safety and telling them never, ever to carry a handbag or purse. I am full heartedly behind what you have to say. And you still see so many men with their wallets stuck inot the back pocket of their pants, an open invitation to pull it out!! I guess there is no incentive for any thief to try with the guy standing on his head. Obviously, his pockets are empty.
Thanks for these comments. I am always most concerned with women when it comes to carrying their handbags around, which are full of their precious personal belongings. You have to think – if my bag was stolen what would I miss?! I once had my wallet taken, and in it I had 5 Euros ($US5), and my video club membership card!!!!
I didn’t realise bag snatching and pick-pocketing was so prevalent in Paris. Thanks for the warning post.
This is a great reminder for everyone worldwide. Unfortunately, there are groups of people that feel stealing is a legitimate occupation. Just common sense and being aware is essential. Lille
Thanks Lille for your comments. You’re right, some feel that stealing is a legitimate business!
My advice when friends and family visit is to send signals AHEAD of time that you’re hip to the game. This means turning any shoulder bags or purses around to the front with a hand on top of them, turning sideways on escalators if people are pressed up behind you, etc. Pick pockets need easy targets to do their job well – show them right off that you’re not one. Example: I’m a fairly strong-looking guy and never had a problem until I happened to sprain my knee and was limping up stairs while speaking English to my mother. He had my notebook halfway out of my bag before we called him on it. I had 2 or 3 things adding up which to him equalled an opportunity, and without either the limping or the distraction of playing tour guide, I doubt he would’ve taken the chance. If you bring your common sense A-game underground with you, there’s nothing to worry about except where to find that next amazing croissant!