Pickpocketing and theft in crowds in Greece: how to avoid it

How it works

Thieves take money or belongings from exposed pockets and bags in crowds. Metro doors are a particular concern, especially when a door seems broken or jammed and people bunch together. Theft is also reported in Faliraki, Kavos, Malia and Ios, though no specific method is described there.

Warning signs

People crowd tightly around a Metro door.
A door seems jammed and passengers bunch around it.
Your bag or an open pocket is exposed in a dense crowd.

How to avoid it

Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
Keep a hand over your bag or pocket in crowds.
Move away from unnecessary crowding near doors.
Avoid drinking so much that you lose track of your belongings.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe. Freeze missing payment cards, check what was taken and report the theft to police.

Get to a safe public place. Avoid confronting thieves or anyone threatening you. Call 112 if there is immediate danger.
Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
Save evidence. Keep receipts, bills, booking details and payment records. Write down the time, place and descriptions.
Report the incident to police. For taxi fare fraud, keep the number plate and receipt and contact the tourist police on 171.
If your passport or identity document is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
Contact your insurer if you have cover. Keep the police report reference and copies of any supporting documents.

What travellers report

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

Questions

What is the pickpocketing and theft in crowds scam in Greece?

Thieves take money or belongings from exposed pockets and bags in crowds. Metro doors are a particular concern, especially when a door seems broken or jammed and people bunch together. Theft is also reported in Faliraki, Kavos, Malia and Ios, though no specific method is described there.

How can I spot it early?

People crowd tightly around a Metro door. A door seems jammed and passengers bunch around it. Your bag or an open pocket is exposed in a dense crowd.

How do I avoid pickpocketing and theft in crowds in Greece?

Keep your bag closed and in front of you. Keep a hand over your bag or pocket in crowds. Move away from unnecessary crowding near doors. Avoid drinking so much that you lose track of your belongings.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe. Freeze missing payment cards, check what was taken and report the theft to police.

Where in Greece does this happen?

Athens Metro, especially interchanges with the airport line, buses, Plaka and other crowded tourist areas. Theft is also reported in busy nightlife resorts. It has been reported in Athens.

How common is this scam in Greece?

Common. Greece is generally safe, with low rates of theft and violent crime, but travellers can still face scams and overcharging. Watch for friendly strangers leading you to expensive bars, taxi fare tricks, counterfeit goods and notes, and theft in crowded places.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist police: call 171 to report taxi fare fraud. Give the number plate and receipt details. Kavala also has a Tourist Police Station on Omonia Street. Police: call 100 for police assistance. Report theft, threats, counterfeit money or fake police approaches, and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency requiring police, ambulance or fire services. The call is free. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if identity documents are stolen or you need consular help. If detained, ask to speak to your consulate. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Provide the police report reference, receipts and payment records where available.

What number do I call in an emergency in Greece?

Emergency services: police, ambulance and fire: 112, Police: 100, Tourist police: taxi fare fraud reports: 171, Ambulance: 166, Fire: 199, Coast Guard: 108.