As international travel rebounds to record levels, an alarming trend has emerged that every traveler needs to know about: pickpocketing incidents are surging across some of the world’s most beloved destinations. Recent data reveals that certain countries are experiencing dramatic increases in tourist-targeted theft, turning dream vacations into potential nightmares.
Thailand
Bangkok has officially been ranked the world’s number one pickpocket and scam hotspot for 2025, with Bangkok recording 9.82 scam and pickpocket mentions per 1,000 reviews. The Thai capital’s tourism boom has created perfect hunting grounds for criminals, with iconic landmarks bearing the brunt of the problem.
The Grand Palace has been ranked as the worst site in the world for tourism crime, receiving more mentions of scams and theft in visitor reviews than any other destination globally. Other popular spots like Wat Pho temple complex and Chatuchak Weekend Market have also stood out for the number of pickpocketing and scam reports.
Beyond Bangkok, Thailand’s resort destinations are also experiencing problems. Phuket recorded 4.14 mentions per 1,000 reviews, mostly related to jet ski scams and overcharging at tourist spots.
Italy
Italy continues to dominate European pickpocketing statistics, maintaining its position as the continent’s most problematic destination for tourist theft. In 2024, there were over 2,000 reported robberies in Rome, a 51.3% rise compared to 2019. Pickpocketing incidents surged to 33,455 cases in 2024, marking a 68.0% increase.
Rome’s most famous attractions have become notorious for theft, with the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Pantheon consistently ranking among the most dangerous tourist sites globally. Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and Milan’s Duomo also feature prominently in pickpocketing reports.
Transit hubs present particular risks, with the Cinque Terre train lines and the Circumvesuviana train connecting to Pompeii and Sorrento being especially problematic for tourists.
France
France ranks second in European pickpocketing incidents, with Paris bearing the overwhelming burden. The situation is so bad that the U.S. Embassy in France published an elaborate travel advisory cautioning people about the many ways pickpockets operate in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower represents more than just romantic tourism, it’s become the place where pickpockets are most likely to be encountered due to the large number of tourists concentrated in the area. Other major attractions like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral area, Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay all feature prominently in theft reports.
The Paris Metro system has become particularly notorious, with pickpockets taking advantage of overcrowded trains and their rapid sliding doors to target commuters and tourists alike.
Spain
Barcelona remains synonymous with tourist theft, but the problem extends throughout the country. Barcelona still accounts for about 6 in 10 crimes in the city; a large share occurs on streets and public transport. Las Ramblas continues to be Barcelona’s most problematic area for pickpocketing, while La Boqueria market and the area around Sagrada Família also see frequent incidents.
The capital Madrid faces similar challenges, particularly around Plaza Mayor and the Prado Museum area. Even Granada’s historic Alhambra complex has reported increasing incidents of tourist-targeted theft.
Germany
German cities are experiencing significant increases in pickpocketing, particularly around major tourist attractions. In 2024, Berlin police registered 539,049 offences (~1,500 per day).
The Brandenburg Gate has become particularly notorious for pickpocketing, alongside other major landmarks like the Reichstag Building and the East Side Gallery. The Holocaust Memorial area has also seen increased incidents, while Munich’s Marienplatz presents similar challenges for tourists.
Netherlands
Amsterdam’s reputation for tourist-targeted crime continues to worsen, with certain districts becoming notorious for theft. Amsterdam’s Red Light District is notorious for its nightlife and pickpocketing, with 100 mentions per million visitors, where the area’s busy streets and bustling crowds can be distracting, making tourists easy targets for theft.
The Anne Frank Museum area has become particularly problematic, along with the zones near the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Crowded subway stations around these museums present additional risks for tourists carrying valuables.
China
Shanghai ranks 6th globally in the 2025 pickpocketing and scams list with a score of 51.83, representing a significant concern for the millions of tourists visiting. While China traditionally maintained low crime rates, tourist areas in major cities are seeing increases.
Shanghai’s Nanjing Road shopping district has become particularly problematic, while Beijing’s Wangfujing area and Guangzhou’s Beijing Road also report elevated incidents. Tourist-heavy metro stations in these major cities have seen increased reports of pickpocketing targeting foreign visitors.
Czech Republic (Prague)
Prague ranked third on the list, with 6.51 combined mentions for scams and pickpockets per 1,000 reviews. The research highlights that Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock remain the most targeted areas, where large crowds allow thieves to operate unnoticed.
Charles Bridge has become increasingly problematic for tourists, while the Prague Castle area and Wenceslas Square also see frequent pickpocketing incidents. The rise in incidents poses challenges for both the city’s tourism authorities and travel industry stakeholders.
Portugal
Portugal has seen a notable increase in pickpocketing incidents, particularly in Lisbon’s historic districts. The country now ranks among Europe’s top ten for tourist theft.
Lisbon’s Alfama district has become particularly problematic for visitors, with its narrow streets and tourist crowds creating ideal conditions for pickpockets. The area around the Oceanarium and Dom Luís I Bridge has also seen increased incidents, while the surroundings of Jerónimos Monastery continue to attract both tourists and opportunistic thieves.
Turkey
Turkey’s tourism revival has unfortunately coincided with increased pickpocketing, especially in Istanbul’s historic areas. The Sultanahmet District has become particularly notorious for tourist-targeted theft, with the areas around Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque seeing frequent incidents.
The Grand Bazaar’s crowded walkways provide ideal cover for pickpockets, while even the Topkapi Palace grounds and Basilica Cistern vicinity have reported increased problems with tourist theft.
Greece
Athens continues to struggle with pickpocketing around its ancient landmarks. In October 2025, police detained a group operating at Monastiraki, a reminder that theft is a recurring problem.
The Acropolis and surrounding areas remain particularly problematic for tourists, while the Monastiraki flea market’s busy atmosphere provides cover for thieves. The Athens Metro system has become increasingly notorious for pickpocketing, and the historic Plaka tourist district sees frequent incidents of tourist-targeted theft.