How I Got ROBBED in Paris Metro: 8 tips to OUTSMART pickpockets!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 98

  • @yvonnehillsden
    @yvonnehillsden 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    My friend and I were transiting from Gare du Lyon to Gare de Nord on our way to Amsterdam. We had all our bags with us including knapsacks on our backs, so clearly looked like targets.
    Although the platform was relatively empty, a young woman ran right into the back of me, hard. I immediately knew what was happening so whirled around and glared at her. She looked me in the eye very defiantly then ran off into the train which had just arrived.
    Fortunately I was prepared so had nothing of value in the knapsack (just clothes) and all the zipper pulls carabinered together. So she got nothing.
    We elected to wait for the next train and while waiting, stood with our backs against the wall.
    It was an interesting experience. I’m grateful that we’d watched all the videos warning of this so knew the signs and were prepared for this.
    Thanks for sharing your story!
    Oh and despite the risks of this, we LOVED Paris and would go back again in a heartbeat!!!

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for sharing your experience, Yvonne.
      Yes, people need to be warned about that, hence the reason for this video...

  • @Matthew.Pequegnat
    @Matthew.Pequegnat 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    As a retired police Supervisory Investigator, I would recommend;
    1. Move away from and avoid standing in the doors of the metro cars, except right when entering or exiting.
    2. Keep your back to a wall when possible when waiting.
    3. Keep your head up and make eye contact with everyone around you, look vigilant.
    4. Keep nothing in back pockets or on your back without a lock on it.
    5. If some Stranger approaches you in the metro, immediately step back quickly turning to an angle to the suspect (blading) weak hand to the suspect and up, as you look around sharply and move away without engaging.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Good advice, Matthew!
      Thanks 👍

  • @LisaNazarian
    @LisaNazarian 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    Sorry that you had those 2 experiences. Appreciate you reminding us all about safety

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! It happens, unfortunately. Happily enough, it's not my wallet that was stolen, only a phone and a camera...

  • @elmadi7391
    @elmadi7391 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Your channel are always helpful. Thank you very much 🙏🇫🇷

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks 👍
      My pleasure 🙏

  • @koenvandaele8673
    @koenvandaele8673 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Thanks for your good advice. I never got pickpocketed in Paris, but I have become extremely vigilant after being pickpocketed in Brussels by professional pickpockets using the ‘Zidane-technique’. In fact, most metro-gangs are quite recognizable if you just keep your eyes open. Don’t let anyone too close , turn around regularly, avoid crowdedness, and preferably keep the ‘overview-position’, with your back against a wall. Protect and control your valuables, especially underground, or when manipulative or intrusive communications are started. Still love Paris though.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      You are right: pickpockets are a real nuisance but that doesn't mean you should stop loving Paris!

  • @johnetie
    @johnetie 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    This almost happened to me on the metro in Paris. My phone was in a front pocket of some loose shorts. I guy standing near was jiggling my pocket and had put a blanket on the ground to catch the phone when it fell. Luckily a friend saw it happening and alerted me. I never felt anything.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Some are really masters at their art...

  • @johnlim.canada
    @johnlim.canada 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    So sorry you got robbed! Thanks for all your videos. They are very informative! 👍

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks a lot 🙏

  • @brandontownsend6955
    @brandontownsend6955 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    I have visited Paris many times, and have had no issues until my last visit. A group of teenage girls crowded my wife and I as we entered the 12 Metro. One girl had a large coat and was covering the front of my wife. I pulled her away and noticed the girl had her hand inside my wife's bag. Luckily I caught it in time. I will always adore Paris, but my wife is still a bit upset. : ) Thanks for the video. Bon chance.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for sharing that with us.
      These groups of teenage girls are really a pain...

    • @MrGuto
      @MrGuto 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      it's Bonne chance.

    • @janebaker966
      @janebaker966 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      East Europeans are vile,we have them in Britain,worse luck.

  • @mistersquirrel0
    @mistersquirrel0 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    In all my travels mainly in Asia and Europe, I've been a victim only once and it was in Barcelona. I let my guard down because it was in a high end department store cafe. It was the classic distraction and someone else swiped my bag laying on a chair. I partially blame myself since I was aware of Barcelona's reputation as petty crime capital of Europe.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@mistersquirrel0 Barcelona, Roma and Paris are the European capitals of pickpockets

  • @mariemurray3638
    @mariemurray3638 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    My husband was robbed by a sweet little old lady on the Metro in Barcelona! One stop, she bumped into him, apologising, then next stop she bumped again, then skipped off the train, with his wallet. First bump, she unzipped his jacket pocket, then second one she took the wallet. We had to admire her skill!

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Absolutely: these people are sometimes very skilful!
      I'm sorry for your husband. Losing my wallet is my nightmare, with IDs, credit cards, driving licence,...

  • @gary860
    @gary860 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I highly recommend a money belt under your clothes and your phone in an a front pocket with a zipper. They also sell day packs with all kinds of deterrents against theft.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, good ideas! 👍

  • @Vancouver_Dan
    @Vancouver_Dan 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I got "jacked" on the RER coming in from the airport (we had to detour by bus to a different line because the direct line was under repair). When we first got on the train, it was not busy so, mistake one, I put our carry on bags on the rack by the door. As the train got busier, two guys started pulling at the bags. I was yelling no. I had a cross body fanny pack with, fortunately, a wallet containing only some cash and one credit card. While I had a tug of war with suspect #1, the other man must have opened my bag and taken the wallet. So mistake two - I had left my jacket open so the bag was exposed (because I was in and out of the bag getting tickets for the train). I did not even notice the guy opening the bag right under my nose. I am very happy that I used a decoy wallet so I did not loose my driver's license, bank card or other credit card. Our passports were in a zipper pocket at the back of the cross body bag. My advice - be extra vigilant when you have bags - that is when you are most vulnberable. Also, use a decoy wallet so that, if it is stolen, your losses are minimal. And be prepared for brazen behaviour. I never expected pickpockets to be so aggressive (I am 6'3").The rest of our stay in Paris was fantastic and without suitcases - we blended in better. We took an uber back to CDG.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      So sorry you had such a terrible experience starting your stay in Paris.
      Something that is rarely said is that the RER B in its journey from CDG to Paris, has multiple stops at some of the most criminally populated cities in the Paris region. You have to be very vigilent on this line!

  • @themutekiununbi4932
    @themutekiununbi4932 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you for your life experience tips.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My pleasure!🙏

  • @ivettecorrea1496
    @ivettecorrea1496 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Je suis desolee Alain😢...
    ...on the other hand is kind of funny that not even real parisien are exempt of this sad experience🤦🏼‍♀️🫣🤭
    Hope that this video will go viral for your Absolutely Amazing channel!🙏👌
    ...love the stats at the end💪👌👏

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks Ivette!
      Yes, for pickpockets everyone is a potential target, not only tourists!

  • @janebaker966
    @janebaker966 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I think everyone who intends to visit Paris more than once in a lifetime needs to get robbed once as it's a wake up call. I got my phone stolen on the metro (classic) on my 3rd visit. I didn't hear,see or feel a thing. I got on at Barbes and off at Gare l'est which is just two stops I think. This is the mistakes I made even though I knew better. I sat and waited as four packed trains went through and scrolled on my phone to pass the time. The fifth looked less packed (at Barbes) so I dropped my phone in my bag,jumped on,sat in the one free seat and as it was quite packed and busy I pushed my open and not zipped up bag just under the seat a little bit so as not to trip anyone up. I could still see half the bag. Whoever took that phone must have reached under the seat from behind. They must have had a long arm! At my stop I reached in my bag for my phone and it wasn't there. I tipped all my bags contents out and EVERYTHING was there BUT my phone. And nothing had been disturbed in my bag. The phone was removed with clinical precision. Luckily it was my penultimate day and I had all my travel tickets etc printed out. That's a tip take a set of paper print outs,just in case. Be aware that someone can be watching you handle your phone. Zip your bag up. But I decided this should not happen again so I made myself a kind of pocket or holster that I carry my phone in. I can hang it round my neck or pin it to my waistband. I use it all the time now. Even at home. Also I have all the important stuff on my person and I wear clothes with zip pockets. Debit card,navigo etc all on me. In the purse in my bag just a little spending money. But they didnt take my purse. The other blessing was that none of my data was stolen. I was told that whoever took it would have ripped out and discarded the sim card then sold it probably to a needy migrant,so there,I made a charitable donation,lol.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yes. You definitely feel stupid when this happens, but then you learn from that....

  • @MagRBX
    @MagRBX 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I take line 10 and 13 every day and I never got pickpocketed and I am very very careful with my stuff and I want to become a machiniste (metro driver) especially on line 10 and it’s my passion!

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Great!
      I hope your passion leads you where you want to go!

  • @madamlakwatsera5674
    @madamlakwatsera5674 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're welcome 🤗

  • @mywwwow
    @mywwwow 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Merci beaucoup mon ami 🌷

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Avec plaisir👍

  • @solarplexus4003
    @solarplexus4003 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    It's a big problem in Paris.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yes, one of the worst issues you have in Paris. I dream of those pickpockets magically disappearing from my city 😂

  • @warrenpayne7649
    @warrenpayne7649 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I wonder what the statistics are for people who take the bus?

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The stats are for all kinds of transport, so you can't dissociate metro and bus...

  • @fruitarian
    @fruitarian 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I’ve been watching your channel. Thank you for making your videos for us! I keep thinking, ‘how can I take things that are well documented, like Paris is, and transport them to other towns, for instance Lyon?’ Lyon is not well documented, on TH-cam.
    I would say a good definition of a mega city is one with more than 10 million people. I looked at your 8 tips and they seem a little odd to me. Why not recommend other cities as a substitute for Paris. Obviously, some things like Sainte-Chapelle or the Sacre Couer are unique to Paris, but some things, like the food, can be experienced elsewhere.
    Anyway, beyond that, your tips make sense, but why not focus on what makes you a target to begin with? Don’t you look prosperous? Is there anything you can change about your clothes or your hair or get an uglier, older, more worn out bag, that would make you look less prosperous?
    My first idea is to not go out drinking at night and to not ride the metro drunk. Those would be the easiest targets for pickpockets. And are some people just casually walking around and don’t worry about keeping an eye on everyone? I keep an eye out, wherever I go, even if it might seem rude or people might accuse me of staring at them. You might be more polite.
    I can imagine Marseille having these kinds of problems, but do they have them in all French cities? Grenoble, Toulouse, Lyon, Nice, etc.?
    I’m scheduled to fly into Lyon for my sixth trip to Europe, in April of next year. Do you ever plan on expanding your coverage to other parts of France, besides just Paris?

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  5 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I don't make videos about other cities in France because I don't know them as much as I know Paris.
      But when it comes to security, I know that most large cities in France have the same issues as Paris.
      In Lyon, there would be parts of the city, and suburbs that you shouldn't go to.

    • @fruitarian
      @fruitarian 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@paristoptips I don't mean to insult you or your city. The reasons I don't want to come to Paris are that it it is big and confusing and difficult to figure out transit connections and the high prices. But, the biggest reason is just to delay spending time there. That I don't want to adjust to the culture, the food and the language there, but instead just see what I really want to see and get out, like I would do with any other city.
      I think they probably have more videos on the Eiffel Tower, than about the whole city of Lyon. I'm not suggesting you make enlightened commentary on other cities. If you just show up and stay for 3 or 4 days and say what restaurants you went to, what you ate, the prices, what you did, and what you liked and disliked, that might be more than helpful.

  • @waleedzemami915
    @waleedzemami915 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I got on the metro no. 2 suddenly it became too crowded and I had to stand in middle just before the next stop someone was on the floor trying to pull my leg the train breaks and two guys behind opened my coat zipper and snitched my cards wallet.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      So sorry for you!
      It seems a lot of my viewers have experienced meeting the infamous Paris pickpockets.

  • @John-wx2ce
    @John-wx2ce 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I love your videos. However, I would argue, that for tourists, the number one way to avoid pickpockets on the Metro is by not traveling by the Metro.
    My wife and I visit Paris every two years for a couple of weeks, and have been traveling throughout Europe for 35 years. We never take the Metro in Europe, and we have never been pickpocketed.
    First off, Paris is a very walkable city. We stay in the center of Paris in the 6th, and we can walk to most places we are interested in. If we are going somewhere that is further than we want to walk, we take Uber. The advent of Uber is a god-send for travelers. Uber is safer, you get to exactly where you want to go, payment to easier (no ticket kiosk - also a point of vulnerability) and we get to see Paris.
    The additional cost for us, even for two weeks is immaterial in the scheme of things and is way more convenient than public transportation. For people staying in Paris for shorter periods it is a no-brainer.
    If you travel by Metro in Paris it is not a question of if, it is a question of when you will be pickpocketed. It is inevitable, especially if you are a tourist.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@John-wx2ce You've got a point there!
      But as I'm not a tourist, I use the metro a lot 😁
      And I think that if they stay fully aware of their environment , tourists run no risk using the Paris metro...

    • @John-wx2ce
      @John-wx2ce 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I understand for you, as a resident of Paris, the Metro is a necessity, and that is why I prefaced my remarks for tourists. However, as a tourist the Paris Metro is a cheap transportation option that carries the associated risks that you and many of your cohorts continually expound on.
      I lived in San Francisco for four years and took BART constantly. I also travel to NYC regularly and take the subway daily. Again, I have never been pickpocketed. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and Australia.
      I am a seasoned traveler and a life-long city dweller, and am always keenly aware of my surroundings, as I am sure you are. Yet you had not one but two incidents on the Metro. This confirms to me that the Paris Metro is an unnecessary risk.
      There are four keys to not being pickpocketed in Paris:
      1. Not travel by Metro.
      2. Be aware of your surroundings.
      3. Not be an easy target.
      4. Don’t bring attention to yourself.
      Small wallet in your front pocket, phone in front pocket, no flashy jewelry, no valuables in your backpack (if you really need one), purse across your body, don’t leave your phone on an exterior cafe table, purse in lap or backpack strap wrapped around leg of chair, and try not to look or act like a tourist. Do these things, and the pickpockets will go after someone else.

    • @janebaker966
      @janebaker966 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      It's slower but I love going round Paris by bus. It takes forever but you get to see the city,learn how one area joins with another,and often go off the boulevards into the neighbourhoods. And your fellow passengers are not tourists but 'normal" people,old ladies with shopping trolleys ,students going to college or maybe bunking off college,and people going to their workplaces.

  • @louiscy
    @louiscy 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Even I thought that would only happen to tourists.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Unfortunately, no!

  • @catherineparr5489
    @catherineparr5489 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I'm, so sorry , you have been a victim not once , but twice . However as you said during the decades you have enjoyed Paris you have been fortunate . Dare I hope that you had already backed up the pictures etc on your camera? Thankyou for the pointers especially wearing your bag in the front , not on your back . A solution , which whilst it might not be infallible is a very sensible one . Of course these gangs are not the ones who ultimately benefit from the crime , it's their Fagin like masters . At least Paris is not New York , a city where as long as your take , from shoplifting etc did not use violence , and was under $1000 you are never charged . The police leaflet should be handed out on every train station , and customs gate . Merci

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thanks 🙏
      Unfortunately, in the camera were all the recordings from a journey I had done at Mont-Saint-Michel for a video... 🙁

    • @catherineparr5489
      @catherineparr5489 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@paristoptips I am truly sorry to hear that 😞. Having spent my childhood in Cornwall, one of my favourite places was our St Michael's Mount . As with Mont -Saint -Michel , which I have been fortunate enough, to also visit , they are both truly magical places. They gave me the feeling that I was in a different time , and place .

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They are beautiful places indeed. I knew about the Cornwall one from Marks&Spencer clothing brand 😄

    • @catherineparr5489
      @catherineparr5489 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@paristoptips 😂😂😂

  • @PhantomOfManyTopics
    @PhantomOfManyTopics 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You need a front pack.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Maybe...

    • @Vancouver_Dan
      @Vancouver_Dan 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      My wallet was stolen from a cross body bag right under my nose (see my other comment). My mistake was leaving my jacket open so that the bag was exposed.

  • @MrGuto
    @MrGuto 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Just carry your phone and wallet in your pant's front pockets and this will never happen.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Small wallet, then...

    • @MrGuto
      @MrGuto 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@paristoptips a credit card and ID is all you need as a tourist. Leave the bulk at home.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My wallet being bigger, as a non-tourist, I now most of the time wear cargo pants with pockets with zips or buttons. Very practical and safe...

    • @cavgrey8
      @cavgrey8 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You’ve never met one of the pros.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Even a pro, in the metro, will go for the easiest target. just make sure to complicate their job, and they'll easily find another interesting target.

  • @aleksandarbrzic8351
    @aleksandarbrzic8351 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Oh well, it is nigh impossible to be 100% vigilant all the time. Buy cheap phones, don´t use them if there are people around you and keep your hand on your purse in the pocket. But, sooner or later, they will get something, that is their profession...

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@aleksandarbrzic8351 Just do not facilitate their job 😁

    • @aleksandarbrzic8351
      @aleksandarbrzic8351 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@paristoptips Learn some Slavic swearwords, yell at them and they will flee, or even better, avoid them whenever you can 😇

  • @PhantomOfManyTopics
    @PhantomOfManyTopics 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Paris is like Kenya now.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Absolutely not. Come, and you'll see...

  • @PhantomOfManyTopics
    @PhantomOfManyTopics 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I will never goto Paris.

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Too bad for you!

    • @janebaker966
      @janebaker966 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That's sad. Be brave!

    • @gary860
      @gary860 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      You just got robbed of your chance to see a wonderful city.

  • @mrn13
    @mrn13 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are seriously content that you have only been robbed 2 times? Is this your level of expectations?!?

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      In fact, 4 times. I was also robbed in Istanbul, Turkey and in Almaty, Kazakhstan...
      I travel 5 to 6 times per year, have visited more than 60 countries, and in most of them, you will find pickpockets...

  • @mickanton7285
    @mickanton7285 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    If you can easily spot the pick pocketers, why doesn't the police arrest them?

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@mickanton7285 Because, for those who are minors, they are back in the streets the following day...

    • @mickanton7285
      @mickanton7285 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paristoptips This is nonesense the police is allowing everyday theft and damage to the tourism.

    • @janebaker966
      @janebaker966 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      But you can't. I never saw anyone looking weird,dodgy or odd. I didnt have a mirror on me! Unless it's one of those gangs I'm hearing about then you don't see them. They are not identifiable.

    • @ALTAJR-07
      @ALTAJR-07 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      There was an attempted Pickpocket on me in Rome Metro by a Very Well Dressed Lady and her 2 Adorable Kids in Designer Clothes! So you cant always TELL.
      My late mother had her Purse stolen by 2 Sweet Old Old Ladies at a Food hall

    • @milamf1529
      @milamf1529 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      thanks for info and links. will be helpful on my trip as I’ve never travelled to a city with pickpocket problem.

  • @enriquesanchez2001
    @enriquesanchez2001 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    OH... ALAIN ! Je suis vraiment désolé que cela t'arrive ! How dreadful for you !
    THIS is a lesson for everyone to STAY ALERT at all times while inside the Metros ! My Parisian friends have similar stories that have taught me to be on the LOOKOUT for groups of young people, to enter a Metro towards the OPPOSITE SIDE of the doors, to always carry everything in FRONT and in ZIPPED-UP compartments ! Bonne chance !

    • @paristoptips
      @paristoptips  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@enriquesanchez2001 Merci Enrique... Excellent advices!

    • @enriquesanchez2001
      @enriquesanchez2001 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@paristoptips Merci Alain !