Beware of Pickpockets in Paris: How My iPhone Was Stolen on the Metro

I’m ashamed to admit that I fell victim to one of the most common travel crimes in Europe. As an American who has been living in Paris for six months, I’ve been taught to guard my valuables with my life, especially by my French boyfriend, who has lived here his entire life. Unfortunately, even when you’re being cautious, a single moment of distraction can cost you everything.

Everyone hears about the infamous pickpockets on the Paris metro, but no one ever believes it will happen to them. Well, it happened to me.

How I Was Pickpocketed on the Paris Metro

My boyfriend and I had just finished watching a movie near Opéra Metro Station. It was around 9:30 PM when we left the theater and headed into the metro entrance. As we walked in, I was texting my dad before sliding my phone into the side pocket of my pants. I had only put it there for a second, just long enough to scan my Navigo pass and pass through the metal bars.

Before I could even scan my pass, I felt something brush against my leg. At first, I was startled and thought I had bumped into the metal bars. But then I realized someone had touched me. I looked down and immediately knew something was wrong.

I turned around and saw a strange man walking away quickly. I felt my pockets up and down to confirm what I already suspected, my iPhone was gone.

I immediately told my boyfriend what had happened, and he ran in the direction the man had gone. I chased after both of them, but it was already too late. The stranger had disappeared, along with my phone.

Pickpocket Warnings Everyone Tells You (That Still Aren’t Enough)

Having lived in Paris long enough, I’m well aware of the city’s dangers and am usually extremely paranoid about this kind of theft. They constantly tell you to keep your valuables somewhere safe and inaccessible. I normally keep my phone in an inside jacket pocket or in a purse that’s securely wrapped around me. And if I ever put my phone in my pocket, I always keep my hand over it.

Another common warning is to avoid large crowds in touristy areas. While I was in a touristy location, the metro station itself was not crowded at all. In fact, when we arrived, there were only a few people standing around or buying tickets. There was no chaos, no lines, none of the usual red flags they warn you about.

When you imagine someone being pickpocketed, you picture a packed metro car with people pushing and shoving. Or someone running past you and quickly stealing what’s in your pockets. But my phone was stolen while I was standing still, inside the metal bars, scanning my ticket.

What Happens After Your Phone Is Stolen in Paris

The people who steal phones have been doing this for a long time. They know how to avoid being caught. After walking away casually, they turned off my device, and my boyfriend was no longer able to track it. When I got home later, I checked again on my MacBook, but of course, by then, my phone was already outside of Paris.

We called the police and filed a report immediately after my iPhone was stolen. We even told them where the phone was located, since we could see it on my MacBook, but they said there was nothing they could do because they couldn’t retrieve it from someone’s home. They told me I needed to be “more careful” and essentially blamed the theft on me: the victim, the silly American tourist.

The police explained that since it was a material item that was stolen and not a physical attack, it wasn’t worth searching for. Completely baffled, I had no choice but to accept that I would never see my phone again.

That phone wasn’t just a random object. It was a $1,000 gift from my father. It also held a ticket from the Eiffel Tower, something my boyfriend and I got on our first date together. Something that can never be replaced.

But of course, it’s always the victim’s fault, never the person committing a felony.

How to Avoid Pickpockets in Paris (Real Advice)

I could simply tell you to “be more careful,” but instead, I want to give you real advice to help prevent this from happening to you and what to do if it does happen:

Have a second way to track your iPhone.
I was only able to see my phone’s location once I got home, and by then it was too late. If possible, put a hidden AirTag inside your phone case or have someone else signed into your iCloud. That way, even if your phone is turned off, you still have a chance to track it.
Travel in groups when possible.
If you’re with friends or family, use them as a shield in crowded or high-risk areas. Have them watch your surroundings while you scan tickets or walk through metro gates. Thieves are far less likely to target someone in a group.
Never put your phone in your pocket, not even for one second.
Even if you think no one could take it in that brief moment, they can and they will. Always store your phone in a bag or inside a zipped jacket.
Assume someone is always watching.
The station I was in felt empty, yet someone was clearly paying attention. Never assume you’re alone. Always scan your surroundings before doing anything.
Report it to the police and RATP immediately.
Even though the police didn’t help much in my case, I know people who have gotten their phones back. Alert the metro staff immediately, because if the thief is still inside the system, they can stop the lines and potentially catch them.
Never chase a pickpocket.
My boyfriend ran after the man who stole my phone, just trying to help. As tempting as it may be, never chase someone like this. You don’t know if they have a knife, a gun, or another weapon. Your life is far more important than any phone.

The Truth About Pickpocketing in Europe

The intent of this article isn’t to scare people away from traveling. This kind of crime can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, whether you’re careless or the most cautious person in the world. People who intend to do terrible things will always find a way.

The only thing you can do is stay on guard at all times and treat every situation as if something is on the line. Report incidents and alert authorities, because this issue won’t be addressed unless people speak up. Victim blaming will never solve the problem.

These thieves know they can get away with it because they know the police won’t pursue them. That’s what allows this cycle to continue, and innocent people keep paying the price. I’m fortunate enough to be able to replace my phone, but that isn’t the case for everyone.

Please be safe when you travel.