Vienna Pickpocket Problem: How Bad Is It Really?

Vienna, Austria, is a beautiful city with stunning Baroque architecture, lush green lawns, and beautifully kept museums and music halls. However, like any other major city, it has its fair share of pickpockets and thieves. Tourists need to be vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as the Ringstrasse, which circles the city centre, and near famous landmarks such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the city's largest train stations. The busy square Karlsplatz in the 4th district and the amusement park Prater are also hotspots for pickpockets and con artists. While Vienna is generally a safe city, it's important to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Pickpocketing on public transport

Vienna has a well-developed public transport network, with five underground lines, 29 tram lines, and 127 bus lines. The city's transport system is considered one of its good points: it's cheap, frequent, fast, clean, efficient, and rarely overcrowded. However, it's not immune to pickpockets.

Pickpocketing in Vienna

Vienna is considered low risk for pickpocketing compared to other European cities like Paris and Rome. However, it's not unheard of, and travellers should still be vigilant. In 2018, a visitor to the Rick Steves Travel Forum recounted their brush with pickpockets on a subway in Vienna, while another user shared their experience of having cash stolen from their wallet while walking between the ticket office and the entrance to the Belvedere museum.

Another user on the same forum reported having their Kindle stolen in Vienna, and a 2024 post on Reddit states that 53.4% of all pickpocketing in Austria takes place in the city.

Preventing Pickpocketing

To avoid becoming a victim of pickpocketing, it's recommended that travellers take standard precautions such as carrying valuables in money belts or neck pouches, keeping bags closed and in front of you in crowded places, and being aware of your surroundings. It's also advised not to carry more cash than necessary and to avoid revealing large amounts of money in public.

Undercover Ticket Checks

It's worth noting that Vienna's public transport operates on an honesty system, with no ticket barriers at stations and no formal ticket checks. However, there are undercover agents who conduct random ticket inspections, and travelling without a valid ticket can result in a fine.

Pickpocketing near tourist attractions

Pickpocketing is a common issue in many major cities and tourist destinations, and Vienna is no exception. While the city is known for its stunning architecture, museums, and music halls, it also has areas where tourists need to be cautious. Here are some tips to help you avoid pickpocketing near tourist attractions in Vienna:

• Be cautious in crowded areas, especially near St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Ringstrasse, and the city's largest train stations. These areas are popular among tourists and can be targeted by pickpockets.
• Avoid keeping all your valuables in one place. Distribute your cash, credit cards, and other important items across different pockets or bags.
• Be wary of "bumping". This is a tactic used by pickpockets to divert your attention and get close enough to steal your wallet. If someone bumps or pushes you in a crowd, turn around immediately to identify the person.
• Keep your bags and wallets secure at all times. Avoid wearing backpacks that can be easily accessed, and consider using a money belt or a waist belt to keep your valuables hidden under your clothes.
• Be cautious of people claiming to be plain-clothes police officers, especially in the city center area of Innere Stadt. Always ask for identification before handing over any personal items.
• Be aware of common ploys used by pickpockets, such as strangers asking for help or accidentally staining your clothes to distract you.
• Avoid taking out large sums of cash or revealing the contents of your wallet in public. Only carry what you need for the day, and try to use discreet pockets or bags to store your valuables.
• Be extra vigilant in areas like Karlsplatz in Wieden, the Prater amusement park, the shopping strip Mariahilferstrasse, and the Flohmarkt (flea market). These locations can attract opportunistic criminals.
• When using public transportation, be aware of sudden movements or distractions that could be used as an opportunity for pickpocketing. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
• If you do become a victim of pickpocketing, report the incident to the police as soon as possible. The local authorities can be reached at 133, and most Austrians speak English fluently.

Pickpocketing techniques

Pickpocketing is a common problem in many cities around the world, and travellers should be aware of the various techniques used by thieves to avoid falling victim to them. Here are some of the most common techniques used by pickpockets:

• The Sandwich: This technique involves creating a physical blockade, with one person standing in front of the target and another behind, allowing the thief to operate unnoticed. This is commonly used in airports, shopping malls, on trains and in markets.
• The Bottleneck: Similar to the sandwich technique, the bottleneck involves creating a crowd, such as at train station exits, to block the target's path and provide cover for the thief.
• The Actor: This scam involves a stranger approaching and offering to help with heavy luggage, only to disappear into the crowd with the victim's belongings.
• The Bump and Lift: The thief bumps into the target and, during the ensuing confusion, lifts their wallet, phone or other valuables.
• Slash, Grab and Run: This is a more aggressive technique where the thief uses a knife or scissors to slash open the victim's bag and grab its contents.
• The Young Assassin: Pickpockets use children to distract targets, as they are more easily trusted and can steal items with minimal detection.
• The Fake Tourist: A beautiful girl approaches a male tourist and distracts him, while another pickpocket steals his wallet, laptop and/or keys.
• Moped Muggers: Thieves on mopeds ride up to their target, rip handbags or purses from their arms and make a quick escape.

To avoid falling victim to pickpockets, travellers should be vigilant and keep their valuables concealed or locked away in a hotel safe. It is also recommended to stick to busy streets and avoid crowded areas, keep bags closed and worn in front of the body, and be wary of strangers offering help or asking for something.

How to protect yourself

Vienna, Austria, is a beautiful city to visit, but as with many tourist destinations, it has its fair share of pickpockets. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as train stations, public transport, markets, and tourist hotspots. Pickpockets often work with accomplices to distract you, so stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings.
• Avoid keeping valuables in your back pockets. Instead, use the front pockets of your pants or the inner pockets of your jacket. For added security, use pockets with buttons or zippers that can be closed to prevent unwanted hands from sneaking inside.
• Invest in pickpocket-proof clothing and bags. Many companies offer pants, jackets, and bags with secure buttons and zippers that provide an extra layer of protection. You can also purchase anti-theft backpacks specifically designed to keep prying hands off your belongings.
• Portion your money and valuables. Store some cash and essential items in your wallet, which you can easily access, and keep the rest in a money belt or hidden pouch. That way, if you do fall victim to a pickpocket, you won't lose everything.
• Ditch the backpack, or at least be cautious with it. Backpacks are prime targets for theft, as it's easy for thieves to access without you feeling it. If you must carry a backpack, consider getting one with locks on the zippers and always keep it in front of you where you can see it.
• Keep your bag anchored when you're sitting down. Loop the strap around your arm, leg, or chair leg to make it more difficult for thieves to snatch.
• Refrain from showing off valuables in public. Pickpockets are more likely to target you if they believe you're carrying something worth stealing. Leave non-essentials like jewellery and extra money behind, and try to be discreet with your hiding places.
• Be prepared and minimise your valuables. Before you go out, make a checklist of what you absolutely need for the day and only carry those items. Leave your laptop or tablet at your accommodation if possible.
• Use mobile payment methods. Mobile payment technology reduces the need to handle cash or cards. Familiarise yourself with apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal before your trip so you can utilise them during your travels.
• Keep a coloured copy of your passport with you, and leave the original in your hotel safe if possible. That way, if your passport is lost or stolen, you have a backup to help with replacement.

What to do if you're robbed

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is known for being a very safe city to live in. However, as with any major city, there are certain areas where it's best to be cautious, particularly at night. Here are some steps you can take if you are unfortunate enough to be robbed while visiting Vienna:

• Contact the police: Report the robbery to the local police as soon as possible. They will be able to assist you and may be able to catch the perpetrator using CCTV footage. The police in Austria are usually very polite and speak decent English. You can also try contacting the Argentinian embassy if you need further assistance.
• Take precautions: After the incident, try to stay in well-lit and crowded areas. Stick to popular tourist spots and avoid secluded streets, especially at night. Consider using public transportation or taxis instead of walking alone.
• Be vigilant: Keep a close eye on your belongings at all times. Avoid carrying valuables such as passports, large sums of cash, or expensive jewellery with you. Instead, leave them in a hotel safe or secure them in your accommodation. Only carry the essential items you need for the day.
• Get a money belt: Consider investing in a money belt or neck wallet to keep your cash, credit cards, and passport secure and hidden under your clothes. That way, you won't have to worry about someone stealing your wallet or purse.
• Use travel insurance: If you have travel insurance, contact them to see if they can help cover any losses. Make sure to report the robbery to your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with a copy of the police report.
• Be aware of scams: Be cautious of anyone who tries to distract you or draw your attention, as this could be a common scam used by thieves. Be especially vigilant in crowded areas, train stations, and tourist hotspots.
• Stay calm and seek help: If you feel unsafe or threatened, don't hesitate to ask for help. Contact the local authorities or seek assistance from nearby businesses or passersby. Remember that your safety is the top priority.

Overall, Vienna is a relatively safe city, but it's always important to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Frequently asked questions