Pickpocketing in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo's old centre and public transport; Mostar Bridge and tightly packed tourist areas in Mostar; Banja Luka.

How it works

Thieves take wallets, phones or other belongings from pockets and bags. Crowded transport and tightly packed tourist areas give them opportunities.

Warning signs

People are packed closely around you on public transport or near a busy sight.
Someone presses unusually close to your pockets or bag.

How to avoid it

Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds.
Keep phones and wallets out of back pockets and open bag pockets.
Carry only the cash you need for the day.
Check your belongings after boarding, leaving transport or passing through a crowd.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe and check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards, secure a stolen phone and report the theft to police. Do not chase or confront a suspect.

Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument if you feel threatened.
Check what you have lost. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
If your phone was stolen, use its lost-device tools and contact your mobile provider to block the SIM.
Save receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Write down the time, place and any vehicle or person details.
Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report number or written record for your insurer.
Contact your insurer if you have cover. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.

Where it happensSarajevo's old centre and public transport; Mostar Bridge and tightly packed tourist areas in Mostar; Banja Luka.Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka

What travellers report

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

More scams in Bosnia and HerzegovinaHigher market prices for foreign visitors: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing scam in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Thieves take wallets, phones or other belongings from pockets and bags. Crowded transport and tightly packed tourist areas give them opportunities.

How can I spot it early?

People are packed closely around you on public transport or near a busy sight. Someone presses unusually close to your pockets or bag.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep phones and wallets out of back pockets and open bag pockets. Carry only the cash you need for the day. Check your belongings after boarding, leaving transport or passing through a crowd.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe and check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards, secure a stolen phone and report the theft to police. Do not chase or confront a suspect.

Where in Bosnia and Herzegovina does this happen?

Sarajevo's old centre and public transport; Mostar Bridge and tightly packed tourist areas in Mostar; Banja Luka. It has been reported in Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka.

How common is this scam in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Occasional. Most transactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are honest, and violent crime is uncommon. Taxi scams are common in Sarajevo, especially at the airport and main stations. Other concerns include pickpockets, inflated market prices, inflated station charges and pressure for police bribes.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 122 for police help. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, visit a police station with your evidence and ask for a written record. Cantonal Police Station / Policijska stanica Centar, Sarajevo: the listed address is Augusta Brauna 5. Telephone: +387 33 226 676. Email: ps.centar@mup.ks.gov.ba. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a stolen card and report disputed transactions. Taxi operator or station management: report an overcharge with the receipt, journey or ticket details, time and vehicle plate where available. Embassy or consulate: use your embassy's or consulate's official contact details for a lost passport or consular help after a serious incident. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep police records, receipts and proof of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

General emergency: 112, Police: 122, Fire: 123, Ambulance: 124.

Reviewed by @snuck