When traveling abroad, encountering thieves is almost inevitable. How can you protect yourself from thieves while traveling? Which travel destinations have the most active thieves? Perhaps mastering some anti-theft knowledge can give you an extra layer of security.
Thieves in Myanmar don’t steal wallets
They specialize in stealing women’s long hair
They specialize in stealing women’s long hair
Many Burmese women boast enviable long locks, and their graceful figures leave a deep impression on visitors. However, there’s a group of thieves in Myanmar who specialize in stealthily cutting these women’s hair in crowded places to sell it. So, women visiting Myanmar should not only guard their wallets but also watch over their hair. These hair thieves are highly skilled, and victims often don’t realize their hair has been cut until later. Local media suggest that the rise in hair theft is linked to increased demand for hair. In Myanmar, the price of hair has risen to between $200 and $250 per kilogram.
Thieves in Spain
Are experts at group theft
Many who have visited Spain have had this experience: as you’re getting on or off the subway, someone suddenly blocks your way while another presses up against you from behind. If this happens, there’s a high chance your bag has already been rifled through. Usually, this is a group effort—the thief’s arm is often draped with a jacket to conceal their hand as they go through your bag.
Another scenario: someone approaches you on the street to ask for directions. While you’re kindly helping them or looking at a map, your attention is diverted—and their accomplice may take advantage of the moment. To steal, Spanish thieves go to great lengths. For example, they might pose as police officers inspecting your passport. When you pull out all your documents, including your wallet, they snatch the wallet and run. Others deliberately throw keys at your feet; if you look down, one person might grab your leg while another reaches into your pocket for your wallet and takes off.
Travelers recommend that when in Spain, don’t engage with anyone who approaches you—especially strangers.
The Vatican, where the Pope resides
Has more thieves than residents
The Vatican is the world’s smallest country, an enclave within Rome, covering just 0.44 square kilometers. Statistics show the Vatican has a population of over 1,300, but only 527 people actually live there year-round. Most visitors to the Vatican each year are tourists, with only a small number there for official state business.
The most frequented spots are the world-famous St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. And St. Peter’s Basilica is where thieves are most active—especially during crowded papal masses, when “bold thieves” take advantage of the chaos, seemingly unfazed by the possibility of divine judgment, to rob unsuspecting tourists. According to investigations by the Vatican judiciary, the vast majority of perpetrators are not residents of the Vatican, and 90% of the culprits remain untraceable.
Anti-Theft Tips
1. Thieves are most active in crowded areas, so stay alert in such places no matter where you are.
2. Keep valuables like your phone and wallet in your bag whenever possible.
3. Thieves love to strike when people are pushing to get on buses—stay vigilant when boarding, and be extra cautious when you feel crowded on public transport.
4. Beware of attractive female thieves and child thieves.
5. When out, it’s wise to keep money and important documents separate to avoid compounding the trouble if you’re robbed.
6. When dining out, keep your bag within your line of sight.
7. Women should avoid hanging their phones around their necks—thieves often work in pairs, with one distracting you while the other cuts the strap and steals the phone.
8. Never fall asleep on public transportation.