PRIORITISE SAFETY IN PARIS, BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS - AMBASSADOR

By Siti Nur Athirah Abdullah and Yasmin Damia Mohd Rizal

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- Visiting France, especially Paris, is a dream for many. Yet behind the city’s charm and beauty lies a lingering concern for travellers, the fear of falling victim to pickpockets.

In this regard, Malaysia’s Ambassador to France, Datuk Edleen Husaini Mohd Hasim, reminded visitors to Paris that while it is exciting to take in the city's beauty, safety should never be overlooked.

He said the embassy receives an average of two monthly reports from Malaysians who have been victims of pickpockets while travelling in the country.

“French police and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) here are stepping up efforts to tackle increasingly bold pickpocket gangs,” he told Bernama recently.

Edleen also advised travellers to keep a close watch on valuables such as wallets, cameras and mobile phones, and stay alert, especially when approached by strangers.

“Travellers should be wary of anyone approaching to sell or ask something, as it could be a distraction tactic.

“The embassy is always ready to help Malaysians in need, but it’s best if we also look out for one another,” he said, wishing all Malaysians a Happy Hari Raya and inviting them to visit the embassy when possible.

Meanwhile, social media is full of accounts from victims of such crimes, often reporting heavy losses and lasting trauma.

Threads user @mia.rosli recounted the panic when her bag, kept close to her legs, vanished while she booked a taxi on her phone.

Although she claimed RM1,200 from travel insurance to cover part of the loss, the experience of losing the bag that she had just purchased in London left her wary of returning to Paris.

Another victim, @mia.hanes23, shared her experience of losing a power bank and coin wallet on a train, as pickpockets apparently mistook them for a mobile phone.

She said that after filing a police report, she and a friend who also lost their passport went to the Malaysian Embassy in Paris to obtain temporary travel documents.

A TikTok post by @miez_eyza revealed that her friend lost euros at a London mall after being approached by several individuals. The wallet was later found, with ID and bank cards intact, but all the cash was gone.

“Pickpockets in the city are highly skilled. People are advised to use bags with multiple zips and store cards in separate compartments as a precaution,” she said in the video shared on the app.

TikTok user @izaabolivar said she was traumatised after seeing her friend’s luxury watch stolen within just two minutes by a man who approached pretending to ask for a cigarette.

“About two minutes later, he realised his watch was gone,” she said, urging people to stay alert and avoid engaging with strangers.

-- BERNAMA