When visiting a new city, being well-equipped with essentials like a phone, wallet, camera, and sunglasses is crucial. However, with travel scams skyrocketing by up to 900% over the past 18 months, tourists are increasingly vulnerable to pickpockets. This common grievance can ruin a holiday and lead to severe inconveniences, such as replacing a passport abroad. Travel expert Rick Steves shared his top anti-theft gadget recommendations with Travel + Leisure. Below is a comprehensive guide to avoiding pickpockets and the best purchases to minimise risk.
Cross-Body Bags
Rick's primary advice is to invest in a cross-body bag. These bags are harder to snatch, hands-free, and keep belongings in sight. Some anti-theft models feature clever straps that allow you to 'lock' the bag, preventing accidental opening and items falling out. For instance, the JIECH Anti Theft Crossbody Bags offer a three-in-one design with a locking strap, functioning as a secure cross-body bag to keep possessions in front of you.
Anti-Theft Phone Tethers
Phone theft is rampant, with 61,331 devices stolen in London last year—one every nine minutes. Rick advises keeping phones out of sight and using 'Find My Phone' apps, data backups, and password protection. Innovative gadgets like the Oaridey Magnetic Anti Theft Phone Strap provide a robust, retractable lanyard that chains your phone securely to your side, originally priced at £17.99.
Phone Lanyards
In Spanish hotspots like Benidorm, Barcelona, and Tenerife, pickpocket and phone scam reports have risen. Darren Corney from Insurance2Go recommends keeping phones out of sight in crowded areas and using anti-theft accessories. The COCASES Crossbody Phone Lanyard Strap features a coated stainless steel cable that withstands stretching without fraying, ensuring your phone stays attached.
Anti-Theft Clothing
Quirky clothing solutions with secret zip pockets, hidden pouches, and anti-slash straps can thwart pickpockets. The Smart Travel Hoodie includes six hidden pockets for cash, credit cards, passports, and keys. For discreet storage, Smuggling Duds Boxer Brief Shorts feature a travel pocket to keep valuables safe.
Tracking Devices
Chris Harrington from hoppa recommends affordable tracking devices like Apple AirTags or Tile Mates. These Bluetooth trackers connect to your phone and alert you if your bag strays beyond a safe distance. An Apple AirTag (4-pack) costs £35.60 per tag, while AirTag holders keep them attached to belongings. Tile Mate by Life360, originally £52.98, is ideal for keys and suitcases, offering safety for solo travellers.
Additional Tips to Beat Pickpockets
- Place your wallet in your front pocket with an elastic band to prevent smooth removal. Consider a dummy wallet or old phone.
- Spread valuables across multiple locations to avoid losing everything at once.
- Do not accept food or drink from strangers in hotels, buses, or trains.
- Research destination-specific scams via embassy websites and travel forums before travelling.
- Carry a backup ATM or credit card.
- Females can sew a pocket into bras for valuables, as thieves target money belts.
- Loop your bag through your leg or under a chair leg when seated.
- Use slash-free bags to prevent cut-and-grab thefts.
- Avoid drawing attention to where you keep valuables.
- Stay vigilant; pickpockets rely on distraction.
The Daily Mail also highlighted the world's biggest tourist scams, from 'bird poo' tricks in London to taxi and Uber scams worldwide, urging travellers to stay alert.
