As British holidaymakers head to Europe this summer, Rome’s Trevi Fountain tops the list of pickpocketing hotspots, with major cities like Barcelona, Paris, and London also posing high risks. Experts advise travellers to stay vigilant and adopt practical safety measures to avoid theft in crowded tourist areas.
As British holidaymakers prepare for their summer trips across Europe, the risk of pickpocketing remains a significant concern in many popular destinations. An ex-detective recently highlighted on BBC Morning Live that while theft can occur anywhere, major cities in Europe consistently rank as hotspots for pickpockets. Rome has emerged as the most targeted city, with the Trevi Fountain particularly notorious. Tourists often throw coins into the fountain for good luck, but according to the expert, this tradition ironically leaves them vulnerable to thieves.
Other iconic cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and Lisbon also feature prominently on the list of high-risk locations. Closer to home, London has been identified as the phone theft capital of Europe, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem even within the UK. This paints a vivid picture of how urban centres and busy tourist attractions provide ample opportunities for opportunistic thieves.
Supporting this, multiple reports have revealed that countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Germany consistently experience high volumes of pickpocketing incidents. Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, Milan’s Duomo, and Rome’s Colosseum are specific hotspots known for such activity. In Amsterdam, the Red Light District is particularly problematic, while Prague and Athens are also frequently mentioned as cities where tourists should remain vigilant.
Statistics show that these risks are often compounded by large crowds and distracted tourists—conditions that pickpockets exploit. Recent data indicates that the incidence of pickpocketing can be quantified per million visitors, with these cities ranking at the top. This context highlights the importance of travel safety awareness and preparation in reducing victimisation.
Security experts and travel advisors universally recommend practical measures to minimise risks. These include avoiding back pockets for valuables, using anti-theft bags or money belts, and keeping belongings in sight and securely fastened. Staying alert in crowded spaces and being wary of distractions or unsolicited approaches also form key parts of effective strategies against theft.
Moreover, authorities and travel resources suggest that tourists leave important documents in hotel safes and remain aware of common pickpocketing tactics, such as coordinated diversions or sudden commotions. By combining vigilance with smart choices in how personal items are carried and handled, travellers can substantially reduce their chances of falling prey to pickpockets.
In summary, while Europe offers an array of culturally rich and memorable travel experiences, visitors must approach certain urban areas with heightened caution. The prevalence of pickpocketing in top tourist destinations necessitates preparedness and vigilance to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was published on 10 July 2025, referencing a BBC Morning Live segment from 9 July 2025. Similar content has appeared in previous years, notably in 2023 and 2024, discussing pickpocketing hotspots in Europe. For instance, a 2023 Euronews article highlighted Italy, France, and Spain as countries with high pickpocketing rates. ([euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/09/05/italy-france-spain-which-european-country-is-worst-for-pickpockets?utm_source=openai)) However, the inclusion of recent data and the specific mention of the BBC segment suggest a higher freshness score. The narrative appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No significant discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. No earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from the ex-detective, Rebecca Mason, were not found in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No identical quotes appear in earlier sources, and no variations in quote wording were noted.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a reputable UK news organisation, which strengthens its reliability. The ex-detective, Rebecca Mason, is identified as a credible source, and her statements are consistent with known information about pickpocketing hotspots in Europe.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about pickpocketing hotspots in Europe are plausible and align with previous reports. For example, a 2024 Euronews article identified Rome, Paris, and Barcelona as top pickpocketing destinations. ([euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/05/02/remain-vigilant-europes-most-heavily-pickpocketed-tourist-spots-revealed?utm_source=openai)) The narrative lacks specific factual anchors, such as exact dates or names of specific incidents, which could reduce the score. The language and tone are consistent with typical news reporting, and there are no excessive or off-topic details. The tone is appropriately dramatic for the subject matter, and the structure is coherent.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, with original quotes from a reputable source, and the claims are plausible and consistent with known information. No significant issues were identified in the checks, leading to a high confidence in the assessment.