How to Protect Yourself from Pickpockets and Theft in Mexico City

To protect yourself from pickpockets in Mexico City: use a phone lanyard attached to your body, wear crossbody bags in front with S-biner clips connecting the zippers (takes 15-30 seconds to open, deters quick grabs), keep valuables in front pockets only, and avoid high-risk areas like Correo Mayor (behind Palacio Nacional), La Merced market, and crowded metro stations during rush hour, phone theft and coordinated team pickpocketing are common in Centro Histórico and Calle Madero tourist areas. Understanding how thieves operate (distraction grabs, bag slashing, coordinated attacks) and taking simple precautions can dramatically reduce your risk. Here's what you need to know.

Common Theft Tactics

The Distraction Grab

One visitor recently had their phone snatched while putting it into their purse. The thieves sprayed water at her to catch her off guard, then grabbed the phone and ran. This distraction-and-grab technique is effective because it breaks your focus at the critical moment.

Similar tactics include the "bird poop" scam - someone squirts a substance on you that looks like bird droppings, then "helpful" strangers rush over to help clean you up. While you're distracted, they're emptying your pockets.

Metro Pickpocketing

The crowded metro is prime territory for pickpockets. With bodies pressed together during rush hour, you may not feel someone's hand sliding into your pocket. One visitor had their phone stolen from their front pocket without noticing - the crush of people provided perfect cover.

Coordinated Team Attacks

At crowded events, thieves often work in pairs. Two friends standing at a crowded concert in the zócalo were pickpocketed simultaneously in a coordinated attack. Both lost valuables from zipped pockets.

Bag Slashing

An older but still-used technique: thieves use a sharp blade to slice the bottom of your bag or backpack, catching whatever falls out. You might not notice until you reach for something and your hand goes right through.

Violent Muggings (Specific Areas)

The Merced market area has a reputation for more aggressive tactics. Thieves may approach from behind, put you in a chokehold, and have a partner rifle through your pockets while you struggle. This typically targets people who are alone. Avoid this area, especially solo.

High-Risk Areas

• Centro Histórico - Heavy foot traffic makes it easy for thieves to blend in
• Calle Madero - Tourist-heavy pedestrian street where children may approach with stickers as a distraction
• Correo Mayor (behind Palacio Nacional) - Known pickpocketing spot; avoid if possible
• La Merced - More violent tactics reported; exercise extreme caution
• Crowded metro stations - Especially during rush hours

Protection Strategies

Phone Security

• Use a lanyard - Attach your phone to your body so it can't be snatched
• Keep it hidden - Don't walk around with your phone visible in your hand
• Women: consider keeping it in your bra - Uncomfortable but effective
• Hand in pocket - On crowded metro, keep your hand on your phone in your front pocket

Bag Security

• Crossbody bags worn in front - Much harder to access than a backpack or shoulder bag
• Backpack in front on metro - Yes, it looks awkward, but locals do it too
• S-biner clips - Connect your bag's zippers together with a locking carabiner; it takes 15-30 seconds to open, deterring quick grabs
• Wear a layer over your bag - A jacket or sweater helps hide crossbody bags

Wallet and Documents

• Front pockets only - Never keep anything valuable in back pockets
• Split your cash - Don't keep all your money in one place
• Leave passport at hotel - Carry a photocopy if needed
• Carry a backup card - Keep an emergency credit card separate from your wallet

Emergency Preparation

Smart travelers prepare for the worst:

• Carry your hotel address - Keep a card or paper with your accommodation address; if your phone is stolen, you can still get a taxi home
• Emergency cash - A small amount hidden separately from your wallet
• Enable Find My Phone - Set up remote wipe capability before you need it
• Know your card's emergency number - So you can cancel quickly if stolen

If Something Feels Off

Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong - someone getting too close, people trying to start a confrontation, anyone approaching with an unusual request - remove yourself. Walk into a store, cross the street, or just keep moving. Thieves want easy targets; making it slightly harder usually sends them looking elsewhere.

Perspective

Theft happens, but Mexico City isn't uniquely dangerous. London has a massive phone theft problem. Pickpockets work the Paris metro. These tips apply anywhere. Stay aware, take reasonable precautions, and you'll likely have no problems at all.

Related Mexico City Safety Resources

• Mexico City Complete Guide
• Transportation and Services in CDMX
• The Uber Scam in Mexico City
• Add Your Business