3 European Destinations with Highest Theft Rates in 2026

February 13, 2026 | 06:22 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Holidays should ideally be the best moments. Whether traveling with friends or family, visiting dream destinations, trying top-tier restaurants, and discovering something new can be a pleasant experience. However, for some tourists, vacations can also become unforgettable for the wrong reasons due to lost items.

Theft can occur anywhere. According to Arizona State University, theft is the most common crime committed against tourists. However, travelers can exercise more caution when visiting specific destinations.

Atmos, a trade company, released a list of European destinations with the highest tourism theft rates last December. The list is based on local crime rates, including the number of residential burglaries, vehicle theft incidents, general theft statistics, and robbery rates across 28 major European cities.

Britain Tops the List for Theft Cases

Based on this data, Britain ranks at the top. There are 254,000 recorded theft cases each year, meaning a house is burgled every two minutes. Those renting a car should also be cautious, as the vehicle theft rate reaches 364,000 per year.

"Britain is the most dangerous destination in Europe for tourists," stated the research report, as cited by Travel + Leisure. This includes pickpocketing incidents reaching 121,000. Tourists are advised to remain vigilant against pickpockets in crowded areas.

Tourists vacationing in France should also be cautious. The robbery rate reaches 63,000 per year, with most incidents occurring around luxury hotels and upscale shopping districts. Meanwhile, pickpocketing cases reach 126,000. Therefore, one should be careful when strolling with branded bags or expensive jewelry in the country.

Following Britain and France, Denmark completes the top three. According to the report, tourists renting Airbnb homes face the highest theft risk in Europe, with 23,000 break-in cases annually. Nearly 160,000 people report losing items every year, a figure much higher than in most other European countries. For a safer vacation, travelers might head to Latvia, which is considered the safest destination with around 700 cases per year.

Staying Safe When Traveling to High-Risk Destinations

As reported by Travel and Tour World, for those traveling to high-risk countries such as Britain, France, Denmark, and Germany, there are several important steps to take to remain safe:

• Avoid showing off expensive items such as designer handbags, jewelry, and cameras in crowded places.

• Be cautious when using public transportation, especially in busy cities like Paris, London, and Rome, where pickpockets often operate.

• Use secure accommodations such as reputable hotels or holiday homes with strong reviews to minimize theft risks.

• Stay alert in crowded tourist areas, especially when traveling in large groups or visiting popular landmarks.

• Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, and consider using anti-theft bags or money belts.

Read: 'Reverse Homecoming' Gains Popularity During Lunar New Year in China

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