Our Amsterdam Holidays

Theres nothing worse than being halfway through your holiday when you suddenly realise you’ve been pickpocketed and all your possessions are gone.  Thanks to Tripadvisors list of coutries that your most likely to get we can at least be prepared when we’re away.

Although this is only a list of the top 10, always be aware of your belongings when anywhere on holiday.  There’s no set time or place that thieves strike so always be on the lookout. If the worst does happen, Make sure you contact the local police.

Here’s Tripadvisors worst 10 cities for pickpockets:

1. Barcelona, Spain
   
2. Rome, Italy
   
3. Prague, Czech Republic
   
4. Madrid, Spain
5. Paris, France
   
6. Florence, Italy
   
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
   
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
   
9. Athens, Greece
   
10. Hanoi, Vietnam

Likely places for pickpockets in Amsterdam

All of the places listed above have one thing in common.  Unsuspecting tourists with money in their pockets.  There’s a number of things you can do for free to ensure the pickpockets have a much harder time or pass you over completely as a possible target.

A few of Tripadvisors suggested ways to protect yourself when on holiday in Amsterdam or any other of the places listed above are as follows (Or anywhere for that matter) :

1. Don’t place valuables such as wallets,phones,keys etc in your back pockets.  Your unlikely to feel it being swiped, plus it may just fall out.  This is by far the favouriteof pickpockets.
2. The distraction technique.  This can be anything from someone dropping an item in front of you,something being squirted at you (such as at parades) or even being bumped into.  When in crowds, always be aware of where your valuables are.
3. Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and it’s not just the usual suspects. Be cautious with any strangers – sometimes people who don’t look like they’d be a threat, such as children or the elderly, can be part of larger operations.
4. Confined spaces such as alleyways,entrances or public transport are another favourite for pickpockets.  Train entrances are often rushed by gangs of pickpockets.
5. Take just what you need.  When taking your wallet/purse out and about, cut down the contents.  The smaller the bulge, the less attractive the risk to the pickpocket.

Of course there are many other things you can do to make it more difficult for someone to have away with your belongings.  Just be aware.

Likely places for pickpockets in Amsterdam

Pickpockets can strike anywhere and at anytime so please keep a close eye on your belongings. That said, there are a number of places where pickpockets strike more often.

1. Public transport. The trams in Amsterdam are a wonderful to view the city, but they don’t hang around for lon and eveeryone boarding or getting off is in a rush. Trams,buses and river crossing ferries are all a chance for a pickpocket to help themselves.
2. Queues. Waiting to get into an attraction?  If you feel someone knock into you. Make sure you know where your valuables are.  A common trick used by pickpockets.
3. Attractions. Many of the attractions in Amsterdam have small entrances.  While you may be looking at the wonderful and beautiful surroundings of Amsterdam. Someone else might just be eyeing up your camera or wallet.
4. Festivals. If your lucky enough to visit Amsterdam during one of its many festivals and celebrations then you’ll notice the crowds everywhere.  So many people and so much to look at and so much to take in.  Enjoy the festivities and consider leaving most of your belongings in the hotel.  At least then you can party without worry.
5. The Red light district.  The dark alleys and crowds of people everywhere, combined with not many wanting to make eye contact in this part of town makes it popular amongst pickpockets and other criminals.