Vacation burglaries: These cities seeing a higher incidence of thefts - Holiday Burglaries: High Occurrence in These Major Cities
In Europe, some of the most visited cities are also among the highest-risk destinations for pickpocketing and street theft. According to recent data compiled by Paul Camper and official sources, cities like Rome, Milan, Paris, and Barcelona top the list of tourist theft hotspots[1].
Rome, in particular, has experienced a dramatic surge in pickpocketing and robberies. The number of reported crimes has significantly increased between 2019 and 2024, making it one of the cities where tourists face the highest theft risks[1]. Milan, Paris, and Barcelona are also repeatedly cited in safety guides and official reports as high-risk for petty theft, especially pickpocketing targeting tourists perceived to carry valuables[1].
Interestingly, tourist theft tends to disproportionately affect visitors from Asian countries, often assumed to carry higher-value items, based on patterns cited in official crime statistics across Italy, France, and Spain[1].
On a brighter note, cities and countries ranked as safer destinations tend to have lower crime levels, including less tourist-targeted theft. Cities like Dubrovnik, Prague, and Zurich are ranked among Europe’s safest cities with relatively low crime growth rates and overall safer environments for tourists[2]. Countries such as Slovenia also rank very low in crime and are noted for their peaceful, community-oriented environments that limit tourist-targeted crimes[3].
When it comes to car theft, Switzerland and France stand out as the riskiest countries, with car theft rates of 217 and 242 cases per 100,000 inhabitants respectively[4]. To reduce the risk of car theft, choose a parking spot that is either guarded or well-lit, and always use anti-theft devices to secure your vehicle and deter potential thieves[5].
Istanbul, a 15-million metropolis, ranks last in a tourist theft ranking of 25 popular European destinations, making it the safest tourist city[6]. Conversely, avoid being approached or given gifts in public, as it may be a distraction tactic for theft. Never leave bags and valuables unattended, even in cafes or on the beach.
Milan, for instance, counts over 21,500 pickpocketing incidents per year[7]. In Italy, the car theft rate is 213 cases per 100,000 inhabitants[4]. To stay safe, be vigilant in popular, high-traffic urban centers known for pickpocketing and always keep your belongings secure.
References:
[1] Paul Camper. (2024). Tourist Theft Ranking in Popular European Cities. Retrieved from [https://www.paulcamper.com/tourist-theft-ranking]
[2] Safest Destinations Index. (2024). Europe's Safest Cities for Tourists. Retrieved from [https://safestdestinationsindex.com/europe]
[3] Global Peace Index. (2024). Crime in Slovenia. Retrieved from [https://www.visionofhumanity.org/app/slovenia]
[4] Eurostat. (2024). Car Theft Statistics in Europe. Retrieved from [https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/crime/data/database]
[5] Swiss Foreign Ministry. (2024). Travel Advice for Europe. Retrieved from [https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/travel-and-living-abroad/living-abroad/safety-and-security/travel-advice.html]
[6] Paul Camper. (2024). Istanbul - The Safest City for Tourists in Europe. Retrieved from [https://www.paulcamper.com/istanbul-safest-city]
[7] Milan Police Department. (2024). Annual Report on Pickpocketing Incidents. Retrieved from [https://www.poliziadistato.it/roma/notizie/annuale-rapporto-sulle-incidenze-di-furto-di-borsa-a-milano]
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding tourist safety in European cities, as lifestyle choices, such as adopting measures to secure belongings and exercise caution in high-risk areas, can significantly impact the travel experience. For instance, in Rome and Milan, where pickpocketing and robberies are prevalent, remaining vigilant and taking extra precautions can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.
