Watch out for phone pickpockets

🔒 5 mistakes to avoid when protecting your phone in Paris

Paris is a magical city, full of history and elegance, but it also attracts pickpockets. As a Paris tour guide, I’ve seen too many visitors lose their phones in a split second. These little thefts are quick, discreet and can ruin a day – or even an entire trip. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid and my tips for keeping your phone (and your memories!) safe. 🚨

🙅‍♀️ 1. The back trouser pocket – the classic trap

This mistake seems obvious, yet I see it every day. During my first month in Paris, I remember putting my phone in the back pocket of my jeans on the forecourt of the Louvre. In a matter of seconds, someone jostled me. Nothing unusual… until I realized my phone was gone! Luckily, a passer-by alerted me and I managed to retrieve it just in time.

💡 My advice: always keep your phone in a front pocket or, even better, in a cross-body anti-theft bag with a secure closure. Pickpockets target easy-to-reach places – don’t give them that opportunity.

👜 2. The outside pocket of your bag or backpack

I know it’s tempting to stash your phone in the outer pocket of your bag “just for a couple of minutes”. Yet this is where pickpockets excel. Tourist areas like Montmartre, the Champ-de-Mars or the Châtelet metro station are their favorite playgrounds. In a matter of seconds, a zip is opened and your phone quietly disappears.

🎒 Practical tip: choose a cross-body anti-theft bag model with a coup-proof strap and hidden fastenings. The Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, for example, offers an exceptional concierge service – perfect if you want a safe place to leave your belongings during your visits.

And above all, avoid open bags or bags that don’t close properly. Pickpockets aren’t just interested in your phone: your papers, cards and keys are also targets.

🧥 3. The outside coat pocket – a bad idea

In winter, many visitors store their smartphone in the outside pocket of their coat. Unfortunately, these pockets are the first to be searched by thieves. I accompanied an Australian couple to the Tuileries Christmas market: within five minutes, the husband’s phone was gone. He didn’t realize it until he wanted to take a photo of the tree!

💡 My advice: keep your valuables in an inside zipped pocket or a hidden pouch under your clothes. If you’re wearing a long coat, opt for a model with closable pockets inside – discretion is your best defense.

🍽 4. Put your phone on the table in a restaurant or café

Ah, Parisian cafés! A glass of wine, a lively terrace, a bit of sun… and a phone lying next to the plate. It’s an invitation to thieves. They often use a well-honed technique: place a piece of paper or newspaper on your phone, then discreetly lift it as they leave.

I’ve seen it happen near Saint-Germain-des-Prés: a group of tourists saw their smartphone “disappear” in ten seconds flat. 📵

👉 Always keep your phone out of sight: in your bag, on your lap, or even in a pouch hanging on you. If you really want to keep it close at hand, invest in a case with a secure cord.

🚇 5. Looking at your phone on the subway (especially near doors)

This is one of the most risky situations. On lines 1, 4, 6 and 13 of the Paris metro, phone snatching is a frequent occurrence. Pickpockets wait for the doors to close: they grab the phone and jump out of the carriage before they close again.

💡 My advice: put your phone away before arriving at the station, especially if you’re near the doors. If you need to check a route, do it with your back to the wall, away from the entrances. And avoid distracting yourself with your phone in crowded trains.

🌆 My personal experience: a lesson learned on the metro

One day, on metro line 2, I was showing an American couple how to get to Montmartre. I held my phone in my hand to show them the station. I barely had time to look up when I felt a rapid tug. A young man had just pulled out my phone! Fortunately, the strap I was using held firm. Since then, I’ve never travelled without it: it’s a little accessory that can change everything.

This experience also reminded me that, in Paris, you have to keep your wits about you, even in moments of routine. Thieves are often discreet, polite and well-dressed – the image of the “obvious thief” is a myth. They are professionals at quick action and diversion.

🏨 Where to sleep in Paris to stay safe?

If you’re looking for safe, well-located accommodation, choose a central hotel with 24-hour reception. This avoids night travel or dimly lit areas. An excellent choice is the Hôtel Regina Louvre: a stone’s throw from the Louvre Museum, in a very safe neighborhood and close to major transport links. The staff are attentive and used to advising tourists on city safety.

Another, more local option: independent hotels in the Marais or Saint-Germain districts offer an authentic Parisian experience, while being in safe, well-frequented areas.

❓ FAQ – The most frequently asked questions about pickpockets in Paris

💬 To sum up

Pickpockets in Paris are no legend, but with a few simple precautions, you can totally avoid the problem. Choose carefully where to store your belongings, use anti-theft accessories, and remain vigilant in crowded places. That way, you’ll enjoy Paris with peace of mind, phone in hand… and always in your pocket! 📱🇫🇷