Pickpockets Are on the Prowl in New York City This Holiday Season

If you live in Upstate New York, you probably don’t think much about pickpockets. Around here, it’s pretty common to toss your purse on a chair at a diner or leave your wallet in your jacket pocket. But if you’re heading downstate to New York City for holiday shopping or to see the tree at Rockefeller Center, it’s a different story.

Holiday Fun Brings Big Crowds and Sneaky Thieves

Holiday shopping, sightseeing, and those magical city lights bring people from all over the world to New York City every winter. Unfortunately, they also bring pickpockets. New FBI data shows that reports of pickpocketing in New York have exploded by 1,518% between 2021 and 2024, making it the pickpocket capital of America.

There were 168 incidents per 100,000 people in 2021 but by 2024, that number jumped to 2,719 incidents per 100,000 people. That’s a huge leap, and it means you’ll want to be really careful if you’re planning a city trip this season.

Stay Alert and Protect Your Stuff

Here are some easy ways to stay safe while still soaking up the holiday magic:

You don’t have to stress spoil the fun, but a little awareness will make a big difference. Pickpockets love distracted shoppers, so stay alert and keep your phone and wallet secure and close to your body, not loose in a pocket or open bag.

Get our free mobile app

Avoid flashing cash, jewelry, or brand new electronics around busy crowds, since that can catch the eye of someone with bad intentions. If you're staying overnight, make use of hotel safes, and when you're out and about, choose bags that zip and keep them in front of you instead of hanging behind you.

It helps to stay in well-lit areas where there is security and plenty of people around. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your trip happy and hassle-free.

Enjoy the City Just Keep an Eye Out

New York City is amazing during the holidays with their skating rinks, giant trees, and that one-of-a-kind buzz you can’t find anywhere else. So enjoy it all, but just keep a hand on your bag and your wits about you. After all, the only thing you should be losing this season is track of time while having a good time.