Which destination is the 'champion'?

A new report by Quotezone (which specializes in comparing insurance) called the "European Pickpocketing Index" says that thousands of tourists have been robbed and pickpocketed while visiting the continent's top destinations.

The report was compiled from data related to pickpocketing on the world's largest online travel advisory site Tripadvisor; a series of Western newspapers cited the information.

10 countries with the most pickpocketing problems in Europe

Theft can happen anywhere and tourist hotspots are the most convenient places for criminals to target because tourists are always busy looking around, taking pictures...

“Iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome have always been popular haunts for pickpockets because they can move discreetly among the crowds,” said Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.

Although Barcelona is often considered a hotspot for pickpockets, Spain did not make the top five.

Instead, Italy takes the top spot and some of the most famous tourist attractions of this beautiful country such as Venice, Rome, Milan... are "headquarters" of theft.

Tripadvisor reviews by travelers of Rome's Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon all mention items being stolen.

The most common "technique" used is to distract and distract tourists before they steal their belongings. Pickpockets work in pairs or groups, with one person attracting the tourist's attention while the other steals the bag.

The Duomo di Milano Cathedral in Milan and the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence are also popular pickpocket haunts.

France took second place on the list, most notably at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Netherlands was the third worst destination in Europe for pickpockets, while Germany came in fourth. Greece came in fifth, while Spain and Portugal were sixth and seventh. Türkiye, Ireland and Poland rounded out the top 10.

Barcelona's Las Ramblas pedestrian street, Spain, has previously been ranked as the world's worst place for pickpockets. Many tourists are distracted by street performers and can become easy targets for opportunists.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is crowded with tourists from early morning until late at night.

According to Quotezone: Travelers should always be vigilant, leaving valuables, such as expensive jewelry, in the hotel safe and always carrying a zipped crossbody bag to protect phones and wallets. Try never to leave personal belongings behind as travel insurance companies require guests to take 'reasonable care' of their belongings and may deny a claim if they are deemed careless. It is important to remember to report the theft to the police as this will help with insurance payouts.

Also, be sure to double-check what is and isn’t covered by your travel insurance policy before heading to these top European destinations. Most travel insurance policies cover important documents like passports, but rarely cover stolen cash and phones.

Visitors should withdraw money from ATMs away from major attractions and always be mindful of those around you when doing so.

If you are robbed, call and cancel your card as soon as possible, then go to the police station to file a report. You should also check your wallet or bag in the trash cans and gutters near the place of theft, as some pickpockets will only take cash or old-fashioned unlocked phones and will quickly throw everything else away.

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