On a recent visit to Paris, John Smaistrla nearly fell victim to a pickpocket.

“I was seated in the last car of the Métro Line 3, which was swaying quite a bit as it navigated the curves,” he recounted.

It was then that Smaistrla, a civil engineer from Houston, felt another passenger pressing against him. He thought nothing of it until he got off the train and noticed that the zippers on his pants pocket were partially undone.

The thief had narrowly avoided stealing his wallet.

Pickpocketing, a type of petty crime, is increasingly common among travelers. The U.S. embassy in Paris reports that around 2,000 Americans have their passports stolen each year, many of these due to pickpockets operating in tourist hotspots.

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The embassy highlights that “pickpockets often believe tourists carry substantial amounts of cash and are distracted by their unfamiliar surroundings, making them easy targets.”

“Tourists frequently fall prey to scammers, pickpockets, and thieves,” stated Harding Bush, associate director of security operations at Global Rescue, a risk management service provider. Though specific statistics regarding crime against tourists are hard to come by, there is considerable anecdotal evidence suggesting the issue is worsening.

A recent survey by Global Rescue indicated that travelers employ various methods to safeguard their belongings. Men tended to separate their cards, IDs, and cash to minimize potential loss, while the majority of women preferred using crossbody purses or bags. Additionally, men usually opted for zippered pockets to secure their valuables.

The key to preventing pickpocketing: zippered pockets

How did Smaistrla avoid becoming a victim in Paris? He wore travel-specific shorts made by Clothing Arts, which feature triple-secure pockets equipped with zippers and buttons.

“The thief could only get through the first two levels of security,” he stated.

However, this doesn’t imply that pickpockets are incapable of accessing your zippered pockets. William Muller, a restaurant manager from Miami, recounted how a group of well-dressed Gypsies managed to snatch his wallet from his raincoat on a Madrid train.

“I have no idea how they extracted my wallet from the zippered compartment,” he admitted. “They are incredibly skilled pickpockets.”

Since that experience, he has sought out sturdier pants and jackets with zippers and buttons to prevent theft of his valuables, realizing that simply having a zipper isn’t a sufficient deterrent.

Why is pickpocketing more common now?

Why do thieves target your belongings so frequently? One major factor is that you may be making it easy for them. Having experienced life in Europe this summer, I witnessed tourists flocking to popular attractions. It astounded me to see people placing their wallets in their back pockets—referred to as a “sucker pocket” by security expert Kevin Coffey—where any competent pickpocket can easily access it.

Additionally, “more criminals are now focusing on stealing phones rather than wallets,” explained Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak, a digital security company serving high-net-worth clients. “Many times, they observe the targets entering their passcodes to gain access to the device afterward.”

His advice is to always shield your hands when entering your passcode. Better yet, use biometric sign-ins. But above all, remember that they are after your phone.

Tips to steer clear of pickpockets and stay secure on your next journey

Before proceeding, a word of caution: there’s no way to provide complete security while traveling. However, you can take wise precautions to enhance your safety.

◾ Research your destinations: Familiarize yourself with the locations you plan to visit and identify potential scams, advised John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet. “Some scams are quite intricate,” he added. The smartest pickpockets wait for the opportune moment to strike—such as during a crowded bus ride, at a tourist attraction where everyone is distracted, or in places where tourists may have consumed alcohol. “Keep an eye on your alcohol consumption,” Gobbels cautioned.

◾ Secure your belongings: Patricia Hernandez, a travel agent and expert advisor with TeachMe.To, recently heard from a client who had his wallet stolen on the Paris Metro. She now strongly recommends using reliable anti-theft gear such as crossbody bags, money belts, and pickpocket-proof backpacks.

“Additionally,” she mentioned, “stay aware of what’s happening around you.”

◾ Steer clear of pickpocket hotspots: Pickpockets often target busy tourist areas. Their common tactic is to create a diversion, such as bumping into someone or spilling a drink. “Distraction crimes are a primary reason why travelers lose time and money while overseas,” stated Carrie Pasquarello, CEO of Global Secure Resources, a travel security firm. “Being adequately prepared and informed can significantly reduce potential dangers.” When she talks about preparation, she advises against visiting crowded places known for pickpocket activity.

Best Pickpocket Tips: Make Yourself Less Visible to Criminals

One effective way to evade petty theft is to avoid appearing as a target. Refrain from strolling through town looking lost, gawking at sights, and loudly speaking in English, as this makes you an easy target.

“Dress in a way that doesn’t reveal you as a tourist,” advised Katalin Parti, a cybercrime specialist at Virginia Tech. “Steer clear of flashy jewelry, high-end accessories, and clothing that drastically contrasts with local styles.”

This advice can be quite challenging for travelers, especially in foreign situations. It’s best to avoid wearing comfortable yet flashy sporty shoes. Steer clear of logo-emblazoned sweatshirts and any caps that stand out; aim to blend in seamlessly with the locals.

I personally avoid bright colors—my entire wardrobe is in black—and wear a selection of Clothing Arts pants. I never place valuables in my back pocket; if I do need to, I use items with buttons or zippers and extra pockets, making it harder for pickpockets to access. However, my best strategy is to steer clear of tourist-heavy areas altogether.

Every purse snatching or pickpocket incident starts with assessing potential victims. Perhaps they are loudly conversing in American English or dressed in loose jeans while carrying a large camera. To protect yourself, eliminate these vulnerabilities.

In simple terms, stop looking like a tourist.