Keeping your belongings safe in busy European cities

A crowded station is easier to manage when you already know where your ticket, phone and wallet belong. Choose a consistent place for each and put it away after use. Loose valuables in an open bag are easy to forget when you are watching a departure board.

The Metropolitan Police's pickpocketing advice describes distraction and crowding tactics. Focus on behaviour and your belongings rather than trying to identify a thief by appearance.

On public transport

Close your bag before boarding and keep the opening where you can see or feel it. A rear trouser pocket or an open outer compartment is a poor place for a wallet. Avoid putting your phone down beside you while sorting tickets.

At a bottleneck, take your time. You do not need to spread your cards and cash out while people press past. If someone offers unexpected help at a machine, you can decline and use a staffed information point instead.

At a café or viewpoint

Keep the bag in contact with you rather than hanging it behind the chair. Put the phone away after taking a picture or checking the map. A table near the street is convenient for people passing as well as for you.

If a distraction develops, such as someone placing papers over the table or pointing to a supposed stain, keep hold of your belongings while deciding whether help is needed. You can step away without arguing.

Make a loss easier to recover from

Carry only the cash and cards you need for the day. Keep a backup payment method separately and know how to contact your bank without using the missing phone. A lockable bag can help with organisation, but no accessory makes theft impossible.

If something is stolen, move to safety, block the affected cards and report the loss through the local police process. Do not chase someone or confront a person shown on a phone-tracking map. Our lost phone and wallet guide gives the next steps in order.