Pickpocket Internet Archive

[Jenette Bregantini]

Onour (fingers crossed) trip to Paris in October we'll be taking the train to Chartres. How safe are the train stations in Paris? My husband was reading about pickpockets in Paris and is concerned about being in a train station. Thanks.

I have taken trains all over France since 2002 the last trip 6 months ago, keep anything you can't afford to lose under your shirt in a neck wallet or in a money belt and not in a pocket or bag and everything will be ok.

Can (and should) you protect your valuables from light fingers?

Yes, but it's not difficult so follow some basic protection methods and there's little to be afraid of. Read up about things like money belts, theft-proof bags, using hotel safes for valuables (cards and bulk of your cash) that you don't need for daily sightseeing, and other general tips about keeping your goodies out of nefarious hands. This website is FULL of those tips; just put "Pickpockets, Paris" into the search box and you'll pull up articles and/or threads like these:

My brother-in-law didn't believe all the hype about it until he got his wallet lifted on the RER train. Thieves had already charged a lot on his credit card by the time they got back to their Airbnb and could contact visa to cancel. Because their main charge cards had the same card number they were left with 1 functioning debit/charge card for the start of a 2 week tour. My husband and I have different accts/card numbers so worst case we have backup.

To focus on your specific question, you're as safe at a station, or on a train, as you are on the Metro or in any area where visitors congregate, like the museums and monuments. If you let pickpocket risk deter you from going to a station, you might as well let it deter you from going to Paris. There are lots of common-sense ways to protect yourself, so pickpocket (and other crime) risk is no reason to forego a train trip (the best way to go) to Chartres.

Pickpockets are ubiquitous -- this is not dangerous, just annoying and easily prevented by not being a walking buffet. Most of the time you don't know you have lost anything until you reach for it later -- they are skilled. Occasionally they are more obvious. Train stations are not dangerous in particular -- probably the most likely spots to have a wallet lifted are the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the metro -- particularly the lines that serve tourist sites like line 1. Don't keep valuables in pockets, backpacks or carelessly held purses and you will be fine. Grabbing luggage is not common although be particularly careful to not set down high value small bags like computer bags or purses -- always have those attached to you -- in your hand or over your shoulder.

Last time we were in Vienna, the British couples next to us on the train to Prague had their wallets taken while boarding the train; the wallets emptied of money but not cards were found in a trash bin on the train and returned to them. In Italy years ago, a woman had her purse taken from the seat in front of her as she stood to put a bag in the overhead bin; someone walking through the train snagged it and was probably off the train before she finished putting her bag up and noticed. And of course, Hadley Hemingway lost all the original and carbon copies of Hemingway's unpublished work on a train when she left the small bag in which she was carrying the material under her seat when she visited the rest room or dining car.

My family and I have been to train stations in Paris and France. There is nothing to be afraid of if you follow some advice. Always have purses, suitcases and bags zipped. If you take out money, put you wallet back in your purse and close it. You'd be surprised how many people have open zippers and purses. Never put money or wallets into pants or coat pockets unless you want it stolen. Be aware of your surroundings.

I was a nervous wreck before Spain due to all the warnings, however I've been there twice. rode on public transport and never had a problem. I've taken the train from Paris to Chartres and back and felt perfectly safe. Enjoy Chartres is a lovely city to just walk around the old town.

nwnews2, your history shows that you've already traveled, and read this board regularly. Have you seen our host's Travel Tips (top left blue menu), particularly -tips/theft-scams/outsmarting-pickpockets .

If you normally use your automobile for every errand, you may be inexperienced with walking around in crowds of strangers. You need to learn to judge how accurate "internet information" may be. There is no particular reason to consider the train to Chartres as a more "pickpocketed" location than your airport, Metro, or walk in the park. Street crime exists. Luckily, in Europe, it is much less violent that crime in the USA. You should not let your vacation be ruined by newsboard chatter. I would also remind you that someone is much more likely to "post" about a negative experience than about a positive one.

The best advice is what you have received - use a moneybelt for your credit cards, passport, large Euros. I also keep my phone (which is my camera) in the back zipper pocket of my crossbody purse. Leave your expensive jewelry at home.

I absolutely loved Chartres cathedral last year! Be sure to take one of the English-speaking tours at the cathedral from Malcom or his substitute! I also brought a tiny pair of binoculars which was very helpful to view the details.

I can reiterate the good advise given up thread. Using precautions to secure your valuables are key. We've been to many train stations throughout Europe and have always felt comfortable. I do remember our experience at the Montparnasse train station 6 years ago. Our only "concern" was making sure we found the right track! ;) Once we boarded the train it was a short 1 hr. journey. We stayed in a hotel within walking distance from the station. As already mentioned the Cathedral and Malcolm Miller's tour was the highlight of Chartres. We were there 2 nights and enjoyed the stunning light show at the cathedral. It brought the facade come to life in all colors. We loved Chartres!

Well said Dick. I will add that pickpockets exist around the world where ever tourists can be found. Certainly Boston has them as do other tourist locales. That being said, I will disagree with those who say you will run across more violent crime in the USA as a tourist.

I have traveled to Europe since 1976, and more than yearly since 2000. I often travel solo, and I am a public transportation fanatic. Sometimes I use a money belt and, more often, not. However, I prepare for the worst, by splitting my financial items up, and always put them in the same spots so I don't lose them. (I do this at home as well.) Losing something would be more of a problem for me. I have never had a problem anywhere with pickpockets. I intentionally do not wave a flag saying "unaware tourist here".

Story: I once traveled with my 30 year old step-daughter, circa 2000. In the airport she'd pulled her money belt out and proudly waved it about to show me she had one. I said, "it won't do you any good in your purse". She put it on. I then told myself I would not nag her any more as she was an adult. I'd just worry about my 15 year old. Leaving Termini station in Rome, she was holding her waist belt in one hand and waving her guide book with the other, and had her pack on her back. I held my tongue although I knew she was now a target. C and I crossed the street and turned the corner and wondered where she was. She'd been pickpocketed before she'd even made it across the street by a bunch of little old women. Because she'd had her money belt on, she lost only her address book. Some handsome young men came to her rescue and asked her if she'd lost her passport. She patted her stomach proudly that she still had it. Had she pointed it out anywhere else I suspect that too would have been taken by the second group. LOL We now have a funny story, but my point is 'just don't wave a flag' indicating you are a target and be prepared regardless. Utilize public transportation!

Thanks so much for all your replies. Thanks Carol for yours too - it made my husband feel better about taking trains. Yes hubby is going to have a money belt and i'm using a neck wallet for our cash & cards. I found a thin wire key ring that will make a good lock for the zippers on my day pack. Now we just have to wait and see if the travel gods smile on our trip.

When I visit Paris, I ALWAYS wear a money belt and my wife has a pac-safe purse that she locks in on her shoulder with both. Places like Barcelona, Paris and Rome are terrible for pickpockets, but they are great places to visit, so you have to prepare yourself before you arrive. The METRO, RER, Train Stations or just walking down the street (even in the Lourve) you must be prepared.

Pickpockets are everywhere. If you act like a victim you are more likely to become one. Know your route ahead of time. Move with a purpose. Pack light so you are nimble. Read everything Rick says about packing. One carryon suitcase and one smallish sized backpack or zippered bag maximum no matter how long your trip. Use a light weight day pack or crossbody bag for the day trips. Money belt is a must to secure your passport, drivers license, insurance card and extra cash and charge card. Be sure to take at least two credit cards preferably one VISA and MasterCard. Keep a small amount of cash and one card handy to use during the day and the card cancellation information in your money belt and hotel room safe. No valuable jewelry or watches. I did wear my wedding ring but left all other rings at home. A simple and not valuable necklace or a scarf is all you need to look great while touring everywhere in Europe.

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