PARIS, France — Ugh, I was just pickpocketed! Want to hear even more distressing information? On the Air France flight from New York to Paris, I managed to lose my iPhone, driver’s license, American Express card and my socks.
I’ve decided to include all the bad news in one post because my daughter Gabi says breaking up the presentation into multiple posts will make you think that I’m truly an idiot. Meanwhile Judy, my best friend since the 7th grade and Gabi’s godmother, just poured me another glass of merlot so that I can get through writing about my latest um, life lessons…
So this afternoon, we were in a Metro station, heading back to our rental apartment. Gabi and Judy were already through the turnstile. I was last, fumbling with my wallet. Suddenly a tall, young white French guy tried to crowd through with me without paying his own fare, like he’s going for a free ride. (No, he wasn’t after a free feel, which makes this even more humiliating because his lack of interest in groping me makes it official: I’m an old lady.)
“You have to push,” the pickpocket said as he pointed to the little flapping doors in front of the turnstile. As I tried to get away from him, my wallet — and this unwelcome stranger — were both suddenly gone.
The bastard got 100 Euros (worth about $130 U.S.) and some Metro tickets. Thankfully, after losing my credit card and license on the plane, there was no ID in the wallet (my important stuff was hidden deep inside my backpack). When Judy and Gabi realized what had happened, my friend was sad and my daughter was thirsting for vigilante justice.
Since I wouldn’t let Gabs chase the guy down, she came back to the apartment, opened her laptop and poured the rage of her 17-year-old self into Googling — until she found a batch of Internet stories about Asians getting pickpocketed.
That made me curious and I did a little web surfing too. Google “Asians are an easy target,” and you’ll get 12.9 million hits. Google “Asians carry cash” for 63.8 million results. By comparison, dangers of single women traveling alone turns up about 3.9 million posts and pickpocketed in Paris yields only 208,000 links (including the top few posts, which were filled with tips; I was a victim of the “distraction” tactic).
The Metro is fast, efficient, cheap & filled with strangers.
To be fair, losing my iPhone, socks, driver’s license and credit card had nothing to do with being Asian, single or woman. I was just stressed out and acting more ditzy than usual. The Metro incident? That was me not paying attention to my surroundings. Being Asian might have been a factor though…if you were a pickpocket and one of your potential targets was an Asian tourist surrounded by non-Asians, who would you choose? (Note on 4/11/12: check out this comment from a reader below. I may have to rethink this Asian victim angle a bit.)
<Sigh.> Here’s what I’ve learned:
Lesson #1: It’s important to get enough sleep. When I’m tired, I get sloppy.
Lesson #2: There’s safety in numbers. I was vulnerable because I was separated — for an instant — from Judy and Gabi.
Lesson #3: Find a place for everything and put everything in its place. During the flight, I should’ve made sure all my belongings were properly stowed in my backpack. In the Metro, I shouldn’t have had my wallet out as I went through the turnstile. It should have been zipped and tucked away in my bag.
Well, that’s the update. Thank God nothing really terrible happened. All I lost was some money and my pride. Live, learn, keep moving!
This is me, shortly before being pickpocketed -- an unwanted new experience.
And to read more about our Paris vacation:
How to eat for $38 a day in Paris
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My daughter just emailed me a link to a website that sells pickpocket-proof pants. She’s so practical: http://clothingarts.com/
Oh, Betty..I’m so sorry. I don’t know how much had to do with race and how much with being an obvious visitor: my nephew Tom was robbed while on a stop-over at the Paris airport last year; it hadn’t occurred to me to mention it to you, since it was the only episode of its kind I had heard of, but now I think it rises to needing an alert for folks going to Paris. (Tom put a zippered sweatshirt with his wallet in the pocket next to him on a seat and looked in the other direction for a minute and boom! it was gone. He felt really foolish, too. So we should warn folks heading that way that there seem to be very professional thieves out and about in Paris, and to BEWARE. It’s a terrible feeling being robbed — but you can get over it quickly and enjoy the rest of the trip!
Gerry, that makes me feel better — even though I’m sorry to hear about your nephew. The thing that’s new for me is all the stuff online about Asian stereotypes (which are rooted in a fair amount of fact, I guess). It never occurred to me that someone would look at me and think, “ASIAN/MONEY/TARGET.” The last time I thought of myself that way was when I was 10 years old in Chinatown — more than four decades ago. There was a crime wave and local businessmen like my dad were walking around in constant fear of getting mugged. Nothing’s really new, right?
HI! Betty, sorry to hear that you were pickpocketed. But I am very proud of you being upbeat and hope that will not affect your mood for the rest of the trip! I will say pickpocketing is very common in the tourist districts even in NYC. So you are NOT alone! Enjoy the rest of your trip in Paris! ^^
Thanks, Shirley. By the way, ages ago, you sent me something on dealing with identity theft prevention. Do you still have advice on that topic? Or does anyone else have suggestions?
Hi Betty, sorry to hear about your recent traumatic experience. I have lost my wallet a few times in my life and will never forget the sense of disorientation. I noticed in the picture of you on the stairs that you are wearing jeans and an overcoat. Here’s what I would suggest you do the next time you are in Paris. Do not place your wallet in your backpack. Place it in your right front pocket of your jeans. And if your are especially concerned, place a small comb inside the wallet with the teeth facing out. So as you try to remove the wallet, the teeth will catch against the lining. It will require greater care to remove it when you need to pay for something, but a pickpocket will find it very difficult to get at and remove.
HI! Betty, I cannot remember what did I send to you ages ago?
But you can check out the following gov. site and hope it helps~
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
When I used to travel alone, I like to use the undercover money belt and neck wallet, see below for some samples:
http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12513571&cp=3677352.11373430
http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4012890&cp=3677352.11373430
I don’t recommend keeping important ids/valuable in the backpack unless you carry it in the front. It is very easy for pickpocket cut your bag in the overcrowding train or any public transportation.
Good luck!
Eddie, that is the exact word to describe me on this entire trip — disoriented. The new me in a new country doing all kinds of new things. This comb idea of yours is fascinating. I wonder how I can adapt it for future travels. Thanks for explaining!
And Shirley, as you can see from the photo, the backpack has a cross-strap, which is how I wear it — it’s not on my back. Judy was using some sort of hidden money belt. I hate the idea of strapping on something like that but I need to get real about being a serious traveler. Thanks!
Betty,
Sorry! But it has happened to us in Rome (twice) and once in Paris on the metro. In Rome it is groups of kids who crowd around you (even when there are several of you), jostle one of you, and as the others in your group are fighting to push them away and protect the one who’s being pushed around … viola!!! This carefully choreographed maneuver removes your wallets, etc. They are REALLY GOOD at it.
In Paris, on the metro, I had my camera and some other good things in my backpack (which I was wearing the normal backpack way). Wrong! A guy acted like he accidentally fell into me when the train moved. He had already opened my backpack and had his hands on what he wanted. Another passenger saw it and yelled out that I was being robbed. He quickly moved away and denied it and I didn’t lose anything. Backpack rule… on trains, wear it in front of you with the parts that open against your body.
Also, keep your money and valuables in various spots under clothing. Just keep what you need immediately handy. And, don’t act or look like a tourist. Check out your maps somewhere in private and figure out your daily itineraries at night or early AM before you hit the streets.
Mostly, don’t let any of this ruin your good time. Explore and enjoy be street smart and aware.
And, if you need any help, I have a friend in Paris on the Left Bank not far from the Sorbonne.
Love, Etta
Hey Betty, sorry to hear about being pickpocketed and loosing your stuff on the flight. Just glad you are ok. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Etta, I’m sorry this happened to you multiple times. But you’re such a savvy person that hearing about this makes me feel a little less stoopid. And to think — you’re not even Asian! Thanks for volunteering your friend. I think we’re okay, though.
It’s interesting to learn how orchestrated these crews are. I have to remember all of this and become much more self-aware as a traveller. Today, while we were out, I kept wondering what I looked like to criminals — I think I will pack different clothes on my next trip. Possibly a different bag too — stuff that looks less schlubby.
And yes, Etta, we’re still having fun. xoxox
bonjour, betty!
well, typical betty — still upbeat & lucid & entertaining despite some missteps & still realizing every little (um, petite?) thing is an opportunity to learn, & share the lessons. hope the rest of your franco-learning comes from only positive interactions. … bon vacances!
xj
One word: moneybelt! Cash, credit card, passport inside!! Take money out where you can’t be seen (washroom cubicle). Leave i-phone at home and buy cheap track phone or use phone cards when travelling. Small backpack that fastens at the front around your waist with important stuff against your back Small carry-on suitcase.
Keep smiling and enjoy the rest of your trip!!!
Ugh, getting pickpocketed is so unpleasant specifically because of the way you feel when you realize what’s happened. I sympathize and empathize, but am glad you now are better equipped because of the experience. Safe travels! <3
Need something to get you through? Don’t feel stranded! Just send word!! My travel mojo: pickpocketed abroad can be handled. Bumped off in NYC is unforgivable. You’re safe and that’s what’s most important! Don’t worry about losing your pride. Find it at the bottom of another merlot and a good night’s sleep. I bet your daughter can turn into a real protective tigress! GROWL!!
Betty,
I was pickpocketed in Paris too. You were probably pick pocketed because you were speaking English and had on sensible shoes.
I was lucky. A Parisian found my wallet and mailed it back to me. All I lost was the money.
Just go to the D’Orsay and enjoy the Impressionist Art and forget about it the whole incident.
Wow, what great advice from all of you…Gloria, thanks! Jaimie, I feel your good energy. Heather, “moneybelt” and/or one of those neck things will become my new travel mantra. Yes, Laura, I’m learning from this. And Stephen, you’re right — Gabi suddenly feels a need to make sure that I don’t walk out on the street and get hit by a car. Carol — yes, D’Orsay was a dream.
Thanks for keeping me going! xo
Betty:
Waaah!!! Sorry to hear about your mishaps, although I agree with other commenters…props to you for maintaining an upbeat attitude. Glad, though, that you guys are having fun and exploring Paris. I’ve always wanted to go. So cool and romantic!!
Best, CL
Hi Betty,
I’m so sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience! It’s amazing how forward-looking you are– I’ve never been to Europe, but now I know how to take proper precautions.
Gigi
Betty: I’m so sorry! I feel guilty that in all the wonderful tips about Paris, neither I nor anyone else thought to mention it is a place where pick-pocketing is an ancient and well developed ar faaaar more so than in NY. French pickpockets are trained from youth. I can alert you to the gypsy coin/ring scam however. This is VERY common and has been practiced in Paris for almost 200 years. An appealing young person will scoot in front of you and pick up a ring, exclaiming you lost this valuable item. you will say it isn’t yours. The YP will say “well then, this is your lucky day and be very friendly, expecting a big tip so you can keep the “solid gold”ring (brass) When it was tried on me (3 times in one day) I exclaimed “oh wow, the gypsy ring scam. This is living history!!!) The YP went away quite dejected.
I’m really sorry about what happened:(
I appreciate that you still shared what seemed to be a bummer with us, for our own future safety and happy travels. I think Etta and Shirley have some good tips, particularly abour checking maps beforehand.
Staying alert and aware can help when in NYC too.
Please be sure you are well rested before your next day out. I’m glad your spirits are still up, there’s so much more to see! I cry over spilled milk, so you’re giving me a good example to always get back out there:)
Yeah, Charlotte, we’re still having fun! Gigi, check out the links on scams; lots of info there. Toby, you have nothing to apologize for — you’re so full of useful info! And Skye, let go. Just. let. go. :)
Betty,
Sorry to hear about your mishaps. I was so afraid this was going to happen to me on my recent trip to London that I wore a travel wallet for the first two days but then it was totally fine. So glad you didn’t let the experience put a damper on your trip.
So sorry to hear you were pickpocketed. I was almost pickpocketed in Paris on a student tour years ago, right after our instructor told us to watch out for it. Because of his warning, I saw it coming and avoided it, but I was in a group, and they used the group as a technique in distraction. I’m not Asian, but I think pickpocketing is generally common in Paris, especially in the Metro and in touristy spots. And probably other parts of the world in touristy spots as well.
Just to make you feel a little less worried that you’re being targeted because you’re Asian, I did Google “Asians carry cash” and got the same 63.8 million results you did. But I also Googled “Whites carry cash” (178 million), “Blacks carry cash” (160 million), “hispanics/latinos carry cash” (7.8 million). I think it just means a lot of us carry cash and we need to be careful out there.
Hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip!
I’m laughing, only because on my last trip to Paris, I left my Blackberry in the airplane and then I got pickpocketed too–twice! So much for my NYC and traveler smarts! But we made it through China together in one piece (didn’t we?).
Denise, I think I’m gonna have to just bite the bullet and get one of these wallet belts that you all are talking about — thanks. Debbie, bless you for doing additional reporting — you’re giving me a solid reason to be a little less scared about being Asian!
And Jeannie — no, no, not you too! You’re my travel guru. During this experience, I kept thinking, “Jeannie would never do this.” Btw, the only reason we got through our China trip was because you planned everything. :)
Now I’m convinced of one thing: I need to do a post about why people should blog. Thank you all for being such a force in my life. xoxo
Hi! Betty, ~ I want to be the FIRST person to yell out, “Welcome back to NY!” Do u still consider going back to Paris and live there?
I cannot wait to hear more about the rest of your adventures in Paris!
I got my iPhone pickpocketed from me on the Shanghai subway- while I was listening to it- and I’m Chinese! Well most people in China think I’m Japanese or Korean because I dress and carry myself in a noticeably foreign way. But it would never have happened to me in NY because I’m ultra paranoid on the NY subway, as a NY native. I think being a foreigner or tourist you’re out of your bearings and smart pickpockets can pick up on that is all- and i wouldn’t say looking Asian has much to do with it (I’ve never been targeted once in NY)
Id say never keep anything valuable in your pockets. Even if you have your hands around it, all it takes is one push (what happened to me) for you to be momentarily disoriented. In NY and big cities I carry a huge purse with a zipper and I carry it tight right under my arms, with the zipper in front.
I’m sorry what had happened to you,hope it has not ruined your vacation. My husband and I was pickpocket twice(bird poop trick) in a day when we vacationed in Buenos Aires. The first thief made off with cash and all our credit cards, he did not leave anything for the second guy. You are right about Asians are more like to be a target, though my husband(not asian) was the one carried everything at the time, but me being Asian probably attracted the attention.
Shirley, if I could find a way to get back to Paris, I would do it in a second. But I think it will be a while. And thanks for welcoming me back!
J, if you looked foreign in China, then you weren’t exactly Chinese in that setting! But I guess that’s the whole point, isn’t it? Trouble happens when we look like outsiders — Asian or no Asian. The more I think of it, the more I’m realizing that my behavior in that Metro was NOT smart. After all, if I was in NYC, I would never be fumbling with my wallet while going through a turnstile. In fact, you’d NEVER even see my wallet. It would never come out of my bag. I would’ve had my MetroCard subway pass out and ready to swipe. Sigh.
And Linda, thanks for informing us about the bird poop trick. I assume this is when they tell you that you’ve been hit by bird poop or something unsanitary….hope it didn’t ruin your vacation. Interesting that you think being Asian mattered. Thanks for sharing that.
Betty,
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. It is a common occurrence. I have always used the “neck-wallet” spoken of above. I traveled a lot in my life and have never hand any problem. This includes living in England for two years, doing over 300 days a year on TAD with the navy and traveling full-time with Raytheon.(I installed air traffic control equipment) I highly recommend going to the state departments sight and reading their travel information and warnings before any trip.
When my girl friend and I hiked the Inca Trail in Peru we went with a professional guide service, which was what my world mountain climbing almanac recommended. Peru is the WORST place in South America for theft. To keep our belongings safe at night we stayed in a compound with concertina wire and pop-can noise makers just like in a combat zone! I also bought some stainless-steel mesh bags which we could lock up with master locks.
When I was in the Navy frequently I was also acting as a courier of classified information. There are rules that have to be followed. In fact one of my class mates from school went to prison for three rules because he broke one rule. It is important to be especially vigilant in airports, train stations and places where people are in motion. Thieves look for people who stand out and are unaware of what is going on. When you get your bags it is important that they are watched by a member of your party AT ALL TIMES without distraction. I think one thing that makes Asians a possible target relates to the second point. Make sure you can maintain a proper distance from others. The reason this is a weak point for Asians deals with what is considered a comfortable distance in Asian populations.In western countries what is considered a comfortable distance is considerably larger, over elbow length. Any closer than this is uncomfortable. This is also important thing to remember if you have a friend who is a combat veteran. Sneaking up behind them, even if you are unaware of what you are doing can get you hurt.
There are more things to look out for when you are traveling than simple pockets. There are crime rings that my try to use you as a mule to transport things for them.
One example of this: A diving instructor I was working with filled up a diving tank he had just brought back fro South America when it made a noise like it blew up. Upon removing the valve, it was discovered that the tank had had another tank welded inside and the bottom of the tank had cocaine that was being smuggled into the country! This is one of the reason they want to make sure all passengers monitor their bag at all times. Another reason is terrorism. While you are busy getting a bite to eat someone could slip an explosive device into your bag. In some airports I have actually gone through as many as four security check points and was asked at every point if my bag was in my possession at all times. Another point, that may not apply to you but has become a habit for me is to avoid habits in your route. We were told to drive a different route to work and on duty.
You don’t need to be paranoid while traveling but it helps. This applies more to third world countries, but it is also a good idea to look out for possible political unrest or in Europe “Soccer Crowds”. Soccer fans in many counties can become violent. There have been instances of fans in Britain throwing opposing fans off moving trains.
I am glad to hear that you came home form you trip and it was relatively safe except for that instance. I had a friend that was in Mexico. He and his companion had just ordered their lunch when a man waked up their table.”Are you Americans” he asked. “Yes may friend said “Yes”. “I would get out of here if I were you” he said. My friend and his companion looked at each other than walked out (even though they had already paid for their meal) and left. A few minutes later two men entered the establishment with machine guns and killed everyone in the place.
I hope to hear of more of your journeys in the future. Be safe.
That lengthy comment makes me want to hole up in my house under the bed for the rest of my life!!!
You forgot the part about a good security system with cameras covering all approaches and sleeping with a gun under your pillow!
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