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6 subway thief techniques to know to avoid the worst

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The Editor

© Marcin Babul / Shutterstock

We all know that pickpockets are one of the major nuisances of the Paris metro, alongside delays, strikes, and construction work. And one thing’s for sure, they are super creative when it comes to finding the best ways to steal our belongings. Here’s a handy overview of the most common techniques so you can protect yourself properly.

Even though, in recent years, the number of thefts on Parisian transport has decreased significantly, with 13.6% less in 2024 compared to the previous year, they still account for 69% of reported crimes at RATP. And while the methods of theft are multiplying, one thing is for sure: they all rely on the same fundamental element: diversion. We’re sharing with you the most common tricks used by the pickpocket community, so you can stay prepared.


The Judo Expert

Well, we won’t lie to you; the reason we’ve placed this technique at the top of the list isn’t necessarily because it’s the most threatening or the most dangerous, but simply because the name is definitely the funniest. In this scenario, to successfully carry out their mission, our thief approaches their victim with a big smile and tries to make friends with them. Once that...

contact is established, and a bond is formed, he quickly mimics a judo move (or a step of dance), laughing like the hypocrite he is. He then takes advantage of this close encounter to steal what he wants from the pockets of the poor trapped doe.


The Show

In this scenario, the idea is simple: you need to create a crowd movement to divert attention, and most importantly, get people packed in like sardines. This requires a small team, as you need at least two people to simulate a fight, a choreography, or basically anything that grabs the attention of about ten people. But the advantage is that the outcome can match the investment, since the final act can potentially empty the pockets of all spectators captivated by what’s happening in front of them.


The Blockage

In this case, our friends the pickpockets work in pairs, engaging in a cleverly orchestrated ballet. While you stroll peacefully through the subway halls (also known as the preview of hell when it comes to Châtelet), the first one positions himself in front of you and pretends to stop you to tie his shoelace or pick up something he may have carelessly dropped. While you patiently wait, a partner sneaks in from behind and discreetly snatches anything sticking out of your pockets. He then heads back in the opposite direction and meets up with his accomplice a few corridors later, just to assess the situation and celebrate their haul. 


The Sneaky Trick

A bit of a shady technique that not only costs you a phone or a wallet but also a jacket or a coat. To pull off this scheme, the trickster discreetly pours a substance on you, like some creamy deluxe sauce sneaked from McDonald's. They’ll then point out the stain and take advantage of the fact that you’re already rubbing your finger, slightly wet with saliva, on it to slyly slip their hand into your pocket and snatch their prize. And watch out, this technique can be done in pairs to distract you even more! Double trouble, and on top of that, when that fast-food sauce dries, it stinks. But wait until you’re out of the metro to worry about it, it’ll save you some bucks!


The Sound Signal

This is undoubtedly the most devious technique on this list, simply because there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. The reason? The thief positions themselves near the doors and waits until the very last second, when the sound signal goes off, to snatch your phone while you’re sweetly typing a super cute message to your special someone. By the time you realize what just happened, the doors are closed, the metro takes off, and you’re left with nothing but your tears. The only advice: don’t use your personal belongings in front of the doors.


The Cut

This is undoubtedly the technique that requires the most dexterity and discretion. As the name suggests, this trick involves carefully cutting or tearing the victim's bag to create a hole big enough to slide a hand in. Using a razor blade, the thief acts sneakily, sometimes with a partner, to avoid drawing your attention, and especially the attention of other travelers. In a similar but quicker style, there's the one who simply opens the small front pocket of the backpack. Hence the pretty simple rule of never putting anything in there. It makes you wonder why suppliers keep adding them.


The conclusion of this whole story: unfortunately, it is very difficult to compete with the imagination and creativity of these people, willing to do anything to achieve their goals. However, we generally advise you to be wary of everyone in the subway (danger lurks around every corner), and to keep your valuable belongings in a CLOSEd pocket (and that's the key word) where you keep your hand on it at all times. Another option is to disconnect from civilization by refusing to use a phone, or get your identity documents tattooed on your body. It's up to you.