Scam in AustraliaTheft
Bag snatching in Australia
How it works
A thief grabs your bag and takes it.
Warning signs
- Your bag is loose or easy to grab.
- Your bag is outside your view.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag close to your body.
- Keep a secure hold on it.
- Avoid leaving it beside you unattended.
If it happens to you
Do not chase or fight the thief. Get somewhere safe, report the theft and block any missing cards.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who may become violent.
- Stop further payments and contact. Call your card issuer to block missing or compromised cards and ask about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report the crime to police promptly. For immediate danger, call 000. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444.
- Secure stolen devices and affected accounts. Contact your insurer, rental company or accommodation provider where relevant.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacing it. Keep the police report details for any claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceTravel advice and advisories for AustraliaCanada's travel advisory identifies bag snatching as a petty crime occurring mostly in Australia's larger cities.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/melbourne2024Long shot, stolen bagA poster reports a cyclist snatching their bag on York Street near South Melbourne Market while they were closing at work.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the bag snatching scam in Australia?
A thief grabs your bag and takes it.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is loose or easy to grab. Your bag is outside your view.
How do I avoid bag snatching in Australia?
Keep your bag close to your body. Keep a secure hold on it. Avoid leaving it beside you unattended.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not chase or fight the thief. Get somewhere safe, report the theft and block any missing cards.
Where in Australia does this happen?
A general precaution across Australia; no particular location is identified.
How common is this scam in Australia?
Occasional. Tourist scams are not widespread in Australia, and few travellers become victims of crime. Watch for theft, rare ATM tampering and fake tax-debt demands for gift cards. Cairns has pickpockets and touts, while Darwin needs extra care with belongings, especially at night.
Are there similar scams in Australia?
Yes: pickpocketing, car break-ins, house burglaries and other break-ins.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, assault or other crime as soon as possible. Call 000 for an emergency or 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance. Bank controlling the ATM: contact it immediately if a withdrawal appears successful but no cash comes out. Give the ATM location, transaction time and amount. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact details to report missing cards or unfamiliar transactions. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Gift-card provider: if you shared a gift-card code, contact the provider promptly. Keep the card and purchase receipt. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: follow its claim process. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Australia?
Police, fire and ambulance: 000, Emergency services from a mobile phone: 112, Non-emergency police assistance: 131 444.
Reviewed by @snuck