Travelers to Paris are being urged to remain vigilant as the city faces reports of increasingly dangerous ‘crush-and-grab’ pickpocket schemes targeting unsuspecting tourists. The U.S. Embassy in France and the ‘r/ParisTravelGuide’ community on Reddit have issued practical warnings and safety tips to help visitors avoid becoming victims of street crime. With the city experiencing a surge in tourism following the 2024 Olympics, local residents have expressed growing frustration over the overwhelming crowds, which have also raised concerns about public safety.
According to the U.S. Embassy, pickpockets often operate in tourist hotspots such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Champs-Elysées, where visitors are more likely to be targeted. The embassy’s advisory includes specific tactics to combat theft, such as keeping valuables in secure locations, avoiding loose pockets, and being cautious of strangers who may attempt to engage travelers. One of the most common schemes involves the