Delhi Pickpockets

India

Delhi pickpocket + luggage-theft rate is high at New Delhi Railway Station + Metro Line 6 (Airport Express) + Connaught Place. Real gangs exploit tourist confusion at rail stations.

High risk

4 pickpocket hotspots

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) — platforms + waiting halls
train station
very high
When: All day
Technique: Luggage theft; distraction pickpockets
Connaught Place central shopping district
plaza
high
Metro Yellow Line (Kashmiri Gate → Central Secretariat)
metro
high
When: Rush hour
Karol Bagh + Chandni Chowk markets
street
high

Common techniques used in Delhi

Rail-station luggage theft

Groups distract victim (fake porter offering help) while accomplice takes luggage.

Auto-rickshaw meter scam + luggage grab

Rickshaw stops for "friend" who takes bag out of rear.

Prevention

  • 1Money belt (very important in India).
  • 2Never let bags out of sight at rail stations.
  • 3Use OYO / official taxi from airport, not street auto.
  • 4Cover PIN at ATMs.

Recommended anti-theft gear

  • Money belt (essential)
  • Anti-theft bag with lockable zippers

If it happens

  1. 1.Delhi Police Tourist Line: 1363
  2. 2.File FIR at nearest police station (required for insurance).
  3. 3.US Embassy: +91 11 2419 8000
Emergency
General emergency: 112 · Police: 100
Report line: Delhi Tourist Police: 1363