Baggage theft in Netherlands

Main shopping streets, trams, trains, stations and places where tourists gather.

How it works

Someone takes your bag or luggage, especially when it is unattended or out of sight.

Warning signs

Your luggage is beyond your view or reach.
You must leave bags unattended to complete another task.

How to avoid it

Keep luggage in sight and close to you.
Keep passports, money and essential medicines in a smaller bag on your body.
Check all your bags before leaving a train or tram.
Use luggage lockers when you need to leave bags behind.

If it happens to you

Report the theft to police. Tell transport staff if it happened on a service or at a station. Make a list of missing items for your insurer.

Move to a safe public place. Avoid chasing a thief or arguing with someone who threatens you.
If there is immediate danger or an urgent injury, call 112 and say whether you need police, an ambulance or firefighters.
Block missing payment cards through your card issuer. Lock a stolen phone remotely if possible.
Save receipts, messages, payment records and useful details, such as a taxi number. Write down what happened, where and when.
Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference and contact your insurer if relevant.
Contact the taxi company or seller about a dispute. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement help.

Where it happensMain shopping streets, trams, trains, stations and places where tourists gather.Amsterdam, The Hague

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in NetherlandsLong taxi route to raise the fare: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the baggage theft scam in Netherlands?

Someone takes your bag or luggage, especially when it is unattended or out of sight.

How can I spot it early?

Your luggage is beyond your view or reach. You must leave bags unattended to complete another task.

How do I avoid baggage theft in Netherlands?

Keep luggage in sight and close to you. Keep passports, money and essential medicines in a smaller bag on your body. Check all your bags before leaving a train or tram. Use luggage lockers when you need to leave bags behind.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Report the theft to police. Tell transport staff if it happened on a service or at a station. Make a list of missing items for your insurer.

Where in Netherlands does this happen?

Main shopping streets, trams, trains, stations and places where tourists gather. It has been reported in Amsterdam, The Hague.

How common is this scam in Netherlands?

Occasional. The Netherlands is generally safe, but taxi scams are common. Visitors should also watch for pickpockets, baggage theft and bicycle theft, especially in large cities and busy tourist areas.

Are there similar scams in Netherlands?

Yes: pickpocketing, bicycle theft.

Who can I report it to?

Police (Politie): report theft or suspected fraud and provide evidence. Ask for a report reference. Call 112 only when there is an emergency. Taxi company: complain using the taxi number, journey details, receipt and amount charged. Record the number if a driver refuses a short ride. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to freeze missing cards and report unauthorised charges. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen. Most embassies are in The Hague. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and a list of missing items. Bicycle rental company: tell the company promptly if its bicycle is stolen. Follow its reporting instructions and provide police report details.

What number do I call in an emergency in Netherlands?

Police, ambulance and fire emergencies: 112.

Reviewed by @snuck