Gangs of thieves who have been working together
targeting Paris' tourist hot spots
including the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and Versaille,
have recently been arrested.
This past spring,
workers at the Louvre went on strike
to protest the upsurge in petty crime
and this month, the police finally caught a group
hanging around the most heavily-crowded areas of the Louvre
such as near the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
While this was a sophisticated group,
only about ten were arrested, so there are certainly more.
The police, and the Louvre website, have posted safety measures
to follow while visiting crowded sites.
From the Louvre website:
(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen)
have recently been arrested.
This past spring,
workers at the Louvre went on strike
to protest the upsurge in petty crime
and this month, the police finally caught a group
hanging around the most heavily-crowded areas of the Louvre
such as near the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
While this was a sophisticated group,
only about ten were arrested, so there are certainly more.
The police, and the Louvre website, have posted safety measures
to follow while visiting crowded sites.
From the Louvre website:
"Pickpockets may be present in the museum.
They operate in crowded areas while you are looking at or taking pictures of the artworks.
Please follow these rules:
* Keep your bags closed and hold them in front of you
* Do not keep your money on display
* Divide up your cash and keep it in several different inside pockets
or in different compartments of your bag
* Do not put your wallet in your back pocket.
* Do not follow the advice of strangers at ticket machines
* Pay attention to your bags and pockets while taking photos
* In the event of a problem, contact a security officer for assistance."
I caught young teens trying to steal my wallet in the Louvre several years ago
as well as in the metro so not all groups are sophisticated. But they are everywhere in Paris.
These rules are good to keep in mind no matter where you're visiting
to save headaches, heartache and peace of mind.
(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen)
I was always amazed that I made it twice through Paris without being pickpocketed or having something stolen. I'm glad they have this group caught but yes, you are right -- there are plenty of sophisticated rings there. Your tips are excellent.
ReplyDeleteHad a gypsy jump down in front of me while lagging behind my friends. He pretended to find a gold ring on the ground, put it on his finger, and pretended it didn't fit. Then, he handed it to me. Afterward, he was asking for money for it. My sister spied the whole thing and hurried back as she had heard of this ruse. I quickly handed the fake gold ring back and we were on our way. I must say, Rome was the worst place I've been for pickpockets. I saw wallets lying about. Good advice, Kirsten, for travelers to be careful. I heard they usually work in twos.
ReplyDeleteI'd sure rick a pick pocket attack to visit that museum in person.
ReplyDelete