Scam in DenmarkTheft
Pickpocketing and petty theft in Denmark
How it works
Someone steals your wallet, phone or other belongings. Theft against visitors is usually non-violent. Pickpocketing is the main crime risk highlighted for travellers.
Warning signs
- Crowds make it hard to notice contact with your pockets or bag.
- Your phone or wallet is visible or easy to reach.
- Your bag is open or outside your view.
How to avoid it
- Keep your phone and wallet in closed pockets or a zipped bag.
- Keep your bag in front of you in crowds.
- Keep luggage within sight at stations.
- Carry a spare payment card separately.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Freeze missing cards, secure a stolen phone and report the theft to police. Do not chase the thief.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or let a dispute become a confrontation.
- Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Report any payments you did not authorise.
- Save receipts, booking details, screenshots and vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police on 114. Call 112 if there is immediate danger or a serious emergency.
- Contact your insurer if you need to make a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorCopenhagen Forum2026Robbed twice in Copenhagen within one week - tourists please - Copenhagen ForumA visitor reports that their wife's wallet was stolen while people crowded her on a Magasin escalator and their own phone was subsequently stolen at Torvehallerne.Read on Tripadvisor
- Redditr/copenhagen2026Careful with pickpockets in CopenhagenA commenter reports that a friend was bumped and had his bag unzipped and wallet stolen during a tour, followed shortly by attempted fraudulent charges.Read on Reddit
- WebSafetyCopenhagen's official tourism body warns of pickpockets using distractions around Central Station, City Hall Square and the beginning of Strøget.Read on Web
Questions
What is the pickpocketing and petty theft scam in Denmark?
Someone steals your wallet, phone or other belongings. Theft against visitors is usually non-violent. Pickpocketing is the main crime risk highlighted for travellers.
How can I spot it early?
Crowds make it hard to notice contact with your pockets or bag. Your phone or wallet is visible or easy to reach. Your bag is open or outside your view.
How do I avoid pickpocketing and petty theft in Denmark?
Keep your phone and wallet in closed pockets or a zipped bag. Keep your bag in front of you in crowds. Keep luggage within sight at stations. Carry a spare payment card separately.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe. Freeze missing cards, secure a stolen phone and report the theft to police. Do not chase the thief.
Where in Denmark does this happen?
Busy tourist attractions and train stations, especially in Copenhagen.
How common is this scam in Denmark?
Common. Denmark is very safe, and tourist scams are not described as widespread. The main risks are pickpocketing, taxi drivers pushing for ATM cash, poor exchange deals and high prices in tourist areas.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 114 for non-emergency reports of theft or suspected fraud. Keep your evidence and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger or a serious emergency. The call is free and works from mobile phones without a SIM card. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a card and report payments you did not authorise. Taxi company or booking platform: report the journey through the booking app or the company's official contact channel. Include the booking reference, vehicle registration and receipt if available. Business involved: ask staff to explain a disputed bill or exchange transaction. Keep the receipt and request a correction if the charge differs from what was agreed. Embassy or consulate: if your passport is stolen, use your embassy or consulate's official contact details to ask about replacement travel documents. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report reference.
What number do I call in an emergency in Denmark?
Emergency services: 112, Police non-emergencies: 114.
Reviewed by @snuck