Avoid Theft :

Tourists make attractive "marks" for thieves and disreputable vendors. In a foreign country, grappling with a language you can't speak, different money, jet lag, and confusing street signs. You stand out in the crowd as you fumble for your train tickets, and sort through your purse to find your map.

Money:
Do not carry large amounts of cash. There are ATM machines everywhere throughout Europe. Withdraw what you need every couple of days and use your credit card if you need to. You'll get a pretty good exchange rate. Forget about travelers checks, they are not very popular with vendors anymore. Empty your wallet of unneeded credit cards and ATM cards before you leave on vacation.

Dining Out:
When paying by credit card, make sure the waiter has picked up the signed receipt before you depart as your card number is usually printed in full on the receipt. If you leave the signed receipt on the table and walk away, anyone can walk by and pick it up, thereby obtaining your name and credit card number. Women should not hang their purse on the back of their chair. Keep it between your feet or in your lap. Better yet, watch to see what the local women do and imitate them. Likewise, men should remove their wallet from their jacket before hanging it on the back of their chair or on a coat hook.

Valuables:
Leave your fancy jewelry and designer watches back home when you travel. It's one more thing that says "notice me" to thieves. While you want to look appropriately dressed, substitute replaceable, inexpensive jewelry for the real thing. Make sure you lock your hotel room before you leave. Leave valuables in a safe deposit box.
If the beggar women and children that prey upon tourists in the major cities approach you, watch out for your bracelets and wristwatch. They might plead with you while grasping your arm, meanwhile sliding your jewelry off your wrist. Also be careful when approached by groups of children holding signs made of cardboard, they are looking to strip what they can off you. Shoo them away firmly or get away from them.

Theft Zones:
BUSES, TRAIN STATIONS, SUBWAYS, AIRPORTS: You are vulnerable in crowded places like busy city buses and subways. Keep valuables in a money belt under your shirt and out of sight (on your front, not side or back). If that is not an option, men should carry their wallets in their front pocket and preferably wear pants or a jacket with pockets that zip. We recommend women sling their purse over their shoulder and across their body with a hand keeping a firm grip on it at all times. If using a day pack, carry it slung in front of you when riding the bus or subway, as the locals do. Be aware of what is going on immediately around you. Beware of people bumping into you, or distracting you, their partner may be right behind you stealing something. Do not leave bags on the seat next to you, have them in your lap or gripped between your feet. When walking to and from train & bus stations, or along shopping streets laden with bags, beware of kids walking right behind you ready to snatch your bag or reach into it. Do not advertise expensive purchases with logo'd bags (Gucci, Prada), re-bag them into plain bags, or into your luggage. Count your change after purchases, make sure you put your money and wallet away before you leave the shop. Avoid walking on the edge of the sidewalk, thieves on scooters can grab your purse.