Top European destinations where pickpockets thrive

One particular country has been named as the worst culprit for pickpocketing in Europe

The summer holidays might be a distant memory, but the threat of crime while on a break is ever-present.

Brits planning a European getaway should take note of the latest findings from insurance gurus at quotezone, who've pinpointed where you're most likely to fall prey to pickpockets.

Their research has thrown up some unexpected results, revealing the hotspots for light-fingered thieves across popular holiday destinations, as reported by the Mirror.

The study ranked Europe's favourite tourist spots based on how often pickpocketing was mentioned in online reviews of each country's top attractions.

Topping the charts is Italy, with tourists frequently reporting thefts at major sites like Rome's Colosseum and Milan's Duomo di Milano, amounting to 478 mentions per million British visitors, reports the Express.

France takes the dubious honour of second place, with Parisian landmarks proving to be fertile ground for pickpockets.

Spain comes in third, with Barcelona's bustling Las Ramblas identified as a particular hotspot for theft.

Quotezone.co.uk's founder and CEO Greg Wilson commented: "Iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome are particularly popular with pickpockets as they can move more inconspicuously amongst larger crowds.

"Many holidaymakers are unaware that some of the most popular destinations for Brits have some of the highest incidents of pickpocketing in Europe."

He advises maintaining a keen awareness of your surroundings and taking measures to safeguard your valuables.

He added: "It is essential always to remain vigilant, leave valuables, like expensive jewellery, in a safe in the hotel and always travel with a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets or even a money belt."