Tourist pickpocket warning as thieves ‘use a cutter’ people won’t even notice

Over the years, pickpocketing has become more sophisticated and travellers could even be targeted through their phone.

A Reddit user ‘samsoul0013’ has shared a warning for tourists travelling to Paris this summer.

They said: “If you have a bag, a good pickpocket can use a cutter or cut your bag in such a smooth way, you won’t even notice your handbag disappeared.”

Pickpockets could use a cutter to steal from a tourist’s bag while they’re distracted at an attraction.

The Reddit user said tourists need to be “attentive of the people around you in crowded places” including at the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and in famous parks.

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They also issued a warning over “small groups” of thieves working together. They said one thief will distract a tourist with a fake charity petition.

While the tourist is listening to the thief, other pickpockets will steal from their pockets or luggage.

But while tourists will need to take care on European holidays this year, they also need to be careful on staycations.

A Londoner, ‘reddishvelvet’, said: “I’ve lived here most of my life and I’ve never known anyone have their wallet pickpocketed.”

However they said they had seen people have their phones snatched on the street. They added: “Usually when exiting a station or standing near the edge of a busy road.

“The thieves work on bikes or mopeds and often drive up onto the pavement to grab your phone. Never get your phone out where someone could ride up next to you.”