Istanbul Pickpockets
Turkey
Istanbul pickpocket density is highest in Sultanahmet (tourist zone) + Taksim Square + Metro M2 (Yenikapı-Hacıosman). Tram T1 (Kabataş-Bağcılar via Sultanahmet) is the classic tourist tram + primary hotspot.
High risk5 pickpocket hotspots
Tram T1 (Kabataş-Bağcılar) — especially Sultanahmet + Eminönü
tram
When: Tourist peak 09:00-19:00
Technique: Coordinated crush at tourist stops
Sultanahmet Square + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia area
tourist attraction
Taksim Square + İstiklal Avenue
street
Grand Bazaar entrances
tourist attraction
Metro M2 (green line, Yenikapı-Hacıosman)
metro
Common techniques used in Istanbul
Tram T1 crush
Groups board at Sultanahmet, block passenger flow, pickpocket during crush.
Shoeshine dropped brush
Shoeshine man drops brush; you help pick up; he insists on shining shoes + demands large payment.
Prevention
- 1Money belt.
- 2Cross-body on front.
- 3Nothing in back pockets.
Recommended anti-theft gear
- •Money belt
- •Anti-theft bag
If it happens
- 1.Tourist Police: +90 212 527 4503.
- 2.File report at nearest commissariat.
Emergency
European emergency: 112 · Police: 155
Report line: Tourist Police: +90 212 527 4503