How it works:
- Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g. jacket/newspaper) and escapes.
- Version 2: petition charity scam.
Places to beware:
- Graz: Hauptplatz
- Innsbruck: The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
- Salzburg: Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), Salzburger Altstadt, Salzburg Cathedral (Dom), Mozart’s Birthplace
- Vienna: Schonbrunn Palace, Historic Center of Vienna, Imperial Palace (Hofburg), Tiergarten Schoenbrunn – Zoo Vienna, Belvedere Museum, State Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Rathaus, St. Peter’s Church, MuseumsQuartier Wien, Stephansplatz, Prater, Sisi Museum, Museum of Military History, Karlskirche, Stadtpark, Vienna U-Bahn, Vienna Naschmarkt, Christmas Market on Rathausplatz, Schoenbrunn Palace Christmas Market, Wien Hauptbahnhof Sud, Kaerntnerstrasse, Praterstern, Flohmarkt am Naschmarkt, Ring Tram, Westbahnhof, Hauptbahnhof, Meidling, Tram 13A
What to do:
- Passport: carry a photocopy instead of the actual one.
- Valuables: wallet in front pocket, small valuables in a money belt/hidden pouch, large valuables in an anti-theft bag.
- Travel insurance: get a good one that covers theft (e.g. World Nomads, trusted by Lonely Planet and National Geographic – review).
