Crowd and public transport pickpocketing in Czech Republic

Thieves take wallets and other valuables in crowds. Some groups in Prague jostle and surround passengers to distract them, especially when people board or leave transport.

People crowd or jostle you when there is little need. Several people press around you at a door or on an escalator. Someone distracts you while others stand close to your bags.

Keep your wallet and spare money separate and secured. Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds. Stay alert while boarding, leaving transport or using escalators. Keep tickets put away unless you are asked to show them.

Move somewhere safe, block missing cards and report the theft. Do not confront a group; they may become aggressive.

Busy sights, crowded public transport, station entrances and escalators. Prague warnings include trams 9, 10 and 22 and central metro stations. Brno warnings include the main train station area and Cejl.

Very common. The Czech Republic is generally safe, but scams and pickpocketing are common in busy tourist areas, especially in high season. Watch for taxi overcharging, misleading exchange rates, worthless foreign money and theft in crowds. Most detailed warnings concern Prague, with pickpocket warnings also covering parts of Brno.

Yes: airport security small-item theft, car theft, street robbery.

Police: call 158 for police assistance or 112 in an emergency. For a theft or fraud report, provide the location, time, receipts and any vehicle or business details. City police (městská policie): if a Prague exchange office refuses a refund requested within 3 hours, politely ask a nearby city police officer to accompany you and help. Czech National Bank: file a complaint if an exchange office refuses the refund. Keep your receipt and a record of the refusal. Taxi company: report the disputed fare with the receipt, licence plate, taxi licence number and driver's name, if available. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to block missing cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about payment disputes. Airport security staff: report missing items immediately at the screening area. Give the screening lane, time and item description. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep the police report, receipts and evidence of your loss. Your embassy or consulate: contact it through official channels if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.

General emergency: 112, Police: 158, Medical emergency: 155, Fire brigade: 150.