Recent reports highlight a surge in theft targeting Chinese travelers across major European cities, from Barcelona to Rome. Celebrities like actor Sun Jian have openly shared experiences of repeated thefts, with gypsy gangs often identified as the primary perpetrators. These groups reportedly focus on foreigners, exploiting the short-term nature of tourist visas—visitors typically stay 20 days, while local police may take up to a year to process cases.
UN data shows Europe’s theft rate hits over 1,000 incidents per 100,000 people annually, three to four times the global average. Though Chinese tourists now prefer cards over cash, cultural stereotypes still mark them as targets. Locals often justify petty theft as a “means of survival” for marginalized groups, but this clashes with tourists’ need for safety—some even face blame for “not securing belongings.”
To combat this, travelers have devised creative precautions: wearing shabby clothes, hiding cash in underwear, or even using talisman stickers as deterrents. Thieves employ diverse tactics, from distraction scams (e.g., spilling coffee) to using children or disabled individuals to exploit compassion. A viral video recently showed a Chinese tourist wrestling with a pickpocket on a Rome subway, though experts warn against physical confrontations.
Student-led initiatives like “thief identification guides,” mapping suspicious individuals at tourist spots, have emerged. Practical advice includes scanning documents onto phones and purchasing travel insurance. While Europe’s治安 (public security) challenges stem from deep-rooted social issues, proactive preparation remains key. As one traveler noted: “In China, we rarely worry; in Europe, vigilance is a must.” The balance between local tolerance and visitor safety may take time to resolve, but shared experiences now arm tourists with vital survival strategies.
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