Home  Travel Tips  Dangers, thieves

As anywhere in the world, there are thieves and criminals in Europe. Some seem to enjoy "working" with tourists, depending on where you are you will be in different situations: some countries have pickpockets so you won't realize of what happened, or some other will try to steal your camera or your backpack while you are sight seeing. Thieves are always there, so it is only up to you to try to discourage them and make them choose another target.

Try to follow the following tips to make your trip safer:

• Always keep your eyes open and the locks in your backpack and daypack.
• If you are walking into a crowd, then put your daypack in front of you.
• Sometimes thief attack tourists in daylight. Always have your camera or camcorder secure and put the strap around your neck all the time. Also an ugly camera case can help you hide the expensive equipment.
• Beware of little children approaching to you, they will put something over your waist so you cannot see how your pockets are being emptied.
• If you are renting a car, then put a copy of a local paper on the dash board. This will make them think that you are not "so foreigner" after all, and decide that your are not worth being robbed. Empty the glove box and leave it open.
• Tell someone your itinerary before you leave home.
• Girls are more prone to be attacked, so if you feel insecure then try to get together with other fellow backpackers and (also for men) don't do anything that can lead you into trouble and expose yourself, i.e. Don't do anything that you wouldn't do at your home town.
• Wear a money belt. Use it with discretion and try not to show it when taking money from it, instead keep some small amount in your pockets.
• At hostels use lockers to leave your backpack if they are available.
• Lock your backpack at the hostel with a chain if they do not have a locker.
• Always keep your valuables with you all time, like passport, money, credit cards, europass, etc. Think of the possibility that whatever you left in the hostel can be stolen.
• If you are being robbed don't try to be a hero, stay calm and cooperate. Your health and life are first
• Make photocopies of all your documents, including credit cards and traveler checks. If they are stolen then you can easily report them to your bank. If your passport is stolen then report it to your embassy immediately.