With the Easter break just around the corner and summer holiday plans already in motion, many Irish people will soon be packing their suitcases for a well-earned getaway. But whether it's a city break in Rome or a sun-soaked escape to Spain, there's one essential you can't afford to forget - staying alert to pickpockets. Some of us will have experienced the frustration of having a bag snatched or a phone swiped when on our travels. Pickpocketing is an ongoing issue in Europe's top tourist destinations, where busy streets, packed attractions and crowded transport hubs provide the perfect cover for thieves, so keeping your wits about you is essential. New research has revealed the worst countries in Europe for pickpocketing - and some of them are closer than you would like to think. With millions of tourists set to flood these destinations in 2025, here's what you need to know to protect yourself from thieves. Unfortunately, tourists are prime targets for thieves, especially in bustling city centres and at major attractions. Research from travel experts at Quotezone.co.uk has ranked the European countries where pickpocketing is most common. Italy, a favorite holiday destination for Irish tourists, topped the list as the riskiest place for pickpocketing. In particular, Rome's Trevi Fountain was named the worst hotspot, with over 470 mentions of "pickpockets" in Tripadvisor reviews. This famous landmark attracts thousands of visitors daily, making it an ideal location for opportunistic thieves. France followed closely behind, with Paris' Eiffel Tower being the most problematic spot for pickpocketing. With the Summer Olympics set to bring even more visitors to the French capital, authorities are warning tourists to stay extra cautious. Despite its long-standing reputation for pickpocketing, Spain came in third, with Barcelona's Las Ramblas being the highest-risk area. This bustling street, lined with shops and street performers, is a known hotspot for distraction-based theft. Ireland also made the list, highlighting that pickpocketing isn't just a problem abroad - tourists and locals alike should remain vigilant in busy areas, particularly in major cities and at popular attractions. Worst country in Europe for pickpockets Italy France Spain Germany Netherlands Portugal Turkey Greece Poland Ireland Quotezone spokesperson Tiffany Mealiff said: "European cities are famously popular tourist destinations for sightseeing, with the recent surge in holidaymakers expected to continue throughout 2025, unfortunately this also makes them some of the danger zones for pickpocketing. "With many people starting to plan out the details for their summer holidays, we are warning holidaymakers to be aware of the potential hazards that come with travelling to these tourist hotspots." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.