<p>This is the 2nd thread I’ve made in as many weeks that expose my family’s personal drama and for that I apologize
That being said , this is also a warning that I hope helps others be vigilant when traveling to Europe
My husband flew to Denmark last night and shortly after he landed ,was robbed I the car rental line at the airport
He was one of several victims. He turned his back for a minute and someone grabbed his carry on that sat on the cart along with his other bag and a box
They made off with literally all of his credit cards and travel documents . His passport and green card too
Today has been a nightmare in trying to get help from all embassies , consulates and other gov’ t agencies
I got more help from his credit card company than anyone</p>
<p>Because he is not a citizen , we are very concerned about his entry when he flies home</p>
<p>He was told by the Danish police that this is becoming a routine crime I’m the EU
People, please rake precautions and warm your children as well
He was on of 6 arriving travelers who fell victim there today</p>
<p>DW was in the Netherlands two weeks ago and fell victim to a theft too on the first day, but it was at the house where she was staying. Thankfully purse, documents, etc. were not lost.</p>
<p>I had my credit cards and drivers license stolen from my purse at a restaurant in Amsterdam a few years ago. Since it was a business trip I admit to being more lax </p>
<p>Things like these stories remind me to be more vigilant wherever I go</p>
<p>Wow. Terrible! I guess there is a reason they sell those passport/money holders necklaces that you can hide under your shirt in travel stores. Too bad. I hate that people are so awful.</p>
<p>It would not be surprising if thieves specifically targeted travelers, who may be less familiar with how local thieves operate, less familiar with getting assistance from the police (possibly limited by language barriers), less likely to be around to testify at a trial if the thief is caught, and most likely to be encumbered by baggage.</p>
<p>My husband is Swedish and doesn’t have language barrier there , but he was dragging a suitcase, bike box and carry on. The carry on was on top. The other travelers were also arriving from America and I think vulnerable because of jet lag, fatigue .
I’m thinking the police should be undercover in the currency exchange and car rental areas, which is where these thefts occurred. They claim that there are a lot of foreigners there because of a music festival in Malmo</p>
<p>I agree…important documents should be kept ON your person, and not in any kind of bag. Another thing…before you leave, take photos of all these documents and email them to yourself. Ive been told that getting replacements is much easier when you have these. Don’t forget to copy the BACK side of the credit cards as that is where the phone numbers are (even for international travelers) to report theft.</p>
<p>Metro, buses, tourist sites and crowded street corners are another hotbed of pickpockets. They usually work in teams of 2 or 3. Men not willing to wear a money belt, should at least put cards & passport in front pants pocket.</p>
<p>lje62 - I am sorry this happened to your H. I wish the police would/could be harsher in their punishment of these disgusting creeps.</p>
<p>So sorry. People traveling alone are especially vulnerable, as you don’t have eyes in the back of your head.
My wallet was taken from my purse in a Trader Joe’s near my hometown. Again, thieves working in pairs. I didn’t know it was gone until I got to the check-out line. I hurried home to get money (and make sure I didn’t leave my wallet at home) and received a phone call from a credit card company that they already tried to use my cards. The thief no doubt handed my wallet off to someone who immediately went to the nearest target and tried to get cash.
My mom’s purse was lifted from her shopping cart while she was putting groceries in the trunk of her car this year. We live in “safe” towns. So it’s not just when traveling you need to be cautious, although the consequences are much harsher when you’re traveling.
I hope your Dh is able to replace his papers without too much trouble, lje. Very frustrating.</p>
<p>This is part of the reason I only travel with one carry on bag. Nothing more. Anything more and I can’t constantly watch or hold it.</p>
<p>It’s funny that people pretend the EU is so safe. I remember a thread a few weeks ago that said something along the lines of the EU was the only safe place to travel. Just goes to show that thieves are everywhere.</p>
<p>@ Romani , I have always loved Copenhagen but the last two times I was there , lost the feeling of safety
I was shocked at how much it has changed in terms of criminals on the streets
I don’t think for a minute that the EU is more safe
My sister and her husband were almost pick pocketed in Amsterdam last fall.
They didn’t feel safe there at all
I was very uncomfortable at what I witnessed in Copenhagen last time
I’ve lived in NYC and Boston and never saw anything like this,though I know it happens</p>
<p>Wow–DD’s boss has told her work team that he’s going to try to get everyone to Denmark at least once for their current work project. She’s excited. I was too until I read this thread. At least she’s been to Europe a few times so is aware of travel precautions, but darn it, she’s a petite young woman.</p>
<p>My dad was also pickpocketed in Europe, only he ran after them and they got scared and ended up dropping his wallet on the ground. Could have been really bad though.</p>
<p>The Eurovision, an annual European singing competition is happening now in Malmo. Hopefully there will at least be extra security there.</p>