Warning for travellers: Pickpockets targeting tourists in Krakow
Many tourists will use the upcoming summer holidays to visit new places. To raise awareness of pickpocketing, a British company has compiled a list of the top 10 places with the highest risk of becoming a victim of theft. Interestingly, one Polish city has been included on the list.
Drinking iced coffee in new locations, trying out restaurants, going to museums or art galleries, and exploring sights previously only seen in tourist guides - warmer months inspire people to discover new cities and destinations. Travel agencies compete to organise exciting city breaks, catering to those not interested in relaxing by pools or on beaches. However, visits to capitals and popular tourist destinations bring not only positive experiences but also potential risks.
List of places where pickpockets operate
Thieves specialising in stealing wallets and phones usually operate in crowded, tourist-heavy places where it is hard to spot them. Rome is often cited as a city with a high number of pickpockets. Videos have been circulating on social media, and female community activists have warned about pickpockets.
British company Quotezone created a list of European countries and places where it is easiest to fall victim to pickpockets. Researchers looked at the number of reported thefts per million UK tourists. Italy topped the infamous list, with 478 thefts reported in places such as around the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and Milan Cathedral.
France came second with 251 pickpocketing thefts in Paris, most often around the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Spain rounded off the podium with 111 crimes, most of which were committed in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona.
Polish city included on the infamous list
Below are Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Greece, with Poland also represented. Quotezone ranks Krakow ninth, with 11 thefts per million tourists. The Market Square is considered the most dangerous place in Poland's former capital.
