Preventing theft in Western Europe

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I don't know if cruise ships have safes in the rooms, but they're bound to have somewhere secure. Leave everything you do not absolutely need there when going visiting countries. Take as little money as you need and maybe one bank card.

I think the biggest problem in those areas are pickpockets and bag snatchers, so get a money belt or something else where you can keep your valuables under your clothes. If you have a bag keep a good hold of it, if it's a backpack wear it on your front (not on your back over one shoulder). Better not to carry a bag at all if you can.

If you carry a wallet keep it in your front pocket, but keep it as empty as possible.

Try not to look like a tourist, don't flash large amounts of cash -- go to the bathroom to move cash from your money belt to your pockets if necessary. Don't wear expensive jewelry or watches, small point and shoot cameras are better than the big SLR ones, but if you have a big one consider carrying it in a non-descript bag and only taking it out when necessary.

Be aware of your surroundings, particularly if people are doing something odd to distract you or trying to invade your personal space. Pickpockets I've experienced in western Europe tend to either be fairly blatant -- they come right up to you on some pretext and just grab what they can, or they have someone distract you while someone else grabs your stuff.

But also, don't worry too much, just minimize what you can potentially lose and be aware. As I've said before here -- you just need to look like a less tempting target than the other tourists (terrible, but true), so the mere fact that it looks like you're paying attention to your stuff will make many pickpockets just move on.

Upvote:5

If you take precautions and use common sense then you will be less likely to have any problems, as SpaceDog says if you don't flash expensive cameras and other items around then you will attract less attention from thieves.

Certainly be aware of people coming up to and distracting you by trying to get you to sign petitions etc., as they are most likely a scam while an accomplice tries to pickpocket you. This was the most common thing I've encountered in tourist areas in Europe.

Above all don't let worrying about it stop you from enjoying your trip!

Upvote:5

To add to all the above answers, I can give you an additional piece of advice. Don't let anyone help you when getting tickets from a ticket machine and the like. If in doubt how the machine works, better use a counter. I have been stolen 20 € trying to get a subway ticket in Milan (the bill was snatched by a bystanding lady after the machine refused it). Of course it is always stupid in hindsight, but at the moment, when you are confused and not exactly sure what to do, you probably are quite vulnerable to be tricked.

Upvote:11

  • Leave all you valuables on the Cruise ship. Usually there will be a little hotel-style safe in your cabin. Leave your wallet here. Work out the maximum you need for the day for what you are planning + 10 %.

  • When you leave the ship take off your Seapass / Cruise card that identifies you on-board ship. Put it in a secure pocket. You will now just look like a random tourist.

  • Try and avoid dressing like a tourist. (See other questions on here about how to do that). You will now not look like a Cruise goer and most scammers will ignore you and go after easier targets.

  • If you are really paranoid take an excursion booked on the ship. These are usually 20 % more expensive than tours you book yourself. The only worry with these is they will take you to their brother-in-laws shop and try and sell you tourist tat.

Having said this, most Cruise ports are very safe. None of them want to be known for making Cruise goer's lives a misery. This might cause the Cruise ships to not call again.

I find the main problems are taxi / tour touts outside the Cruise / Harbour complex. Walk out and and about three blocks and you will generally pay less.

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