Pickpocket attempt on train from Strasbourg to Basel. Targeting families with kids

Safety Alert: Pickpocket Attempt on Train from Strasbourg to Basel Targeting Families

Traveling with children often involves juggling multiple responsibilities, which can sometimes make travelers vulnerable to theft. Recently, I experienced a troubling incident during a train journey from Strasbourg to Basel that underscores the importance of remaining vigilant, even in seemingly safe environments.

The Incident

My family and I were returning from the Strasbourg Christmas Market to our hotel in Basel. Traveling with two young children and compact strollers, we were navigating our belongings on the train. At one point, two women approached us, appearing friendly and eager to help. One of them offered assistance with our strollers, while the other positioned herself very close to me.

I was wearing a crossbody bag, securely strapped across my chest, containing our passports. During this interaction, I was momentarily distracted while figuring out the best way to store our strollers. Suddenly, I noticed a hand inside my bag. My wife, perceptive and alert, recognized this immediate threat and shouted a warning. That’s when I realized the zipper of my bag was open.

Quick Action and Reflection

Fortunately, the passports remained inside my bag, and the immediate threat was thwarted. By the time I looked up to identify what had happened, the two women had already exited the train.

What struck me most was their level of confidence and coordination. This wasn’t a chaotic, crowded train; it was quiet, yet they appeared experienced in executing their scheme. It was clear they were targeting families like ours—presumably because they believed we would be distracted, juggling children and belongings.

Lessons Learned

While I had always believed that a zipped crossbody bag offers substantial security, this incident proved otherwise. In the past, I’ve relied on zipped pockets in my travel pants as my primary safety measure. However, I had let my guard down, assuming that my crossbody bag was sufficiently secure.

Having heard many stories about pickpocketing especially in popular European destinations, experiencing an attempted theft firsthand was an eye-opener. Losing important documents like passports while traveling with children would have been a true nightmare, complicating our trip and causing unnecessary panic.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Based on this experience, I strongly advise fellow travelers—especially those with children—to remain alert and cautious:

• Use secure, zipped pockets whenever possible.
• Consider travel-specific anti-theft accessories such as lockable bags or RFID-blocking wallets.
• Maintain visual contact with your belongings