Rising Airport Scams In Spain, Italy, France, And Turkey: How To Protect Your Jewellery And Watches While Traveling

As you prepare for your dream vacation to beloved European destinations like Spain, Italy, France, or Turkey, there’s one thing we want to ensure before you take off: your safety. While you’re looking forward to tapas in Barcelona, sunsets in Rome, or exploring Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, a less glamorous reality is playing out in these same places—organized criminals are targeting travellers like you in airport terminals. But with a bit of awareness and the right precautions, you can stay several steps ahead.

What’s Happening at Airports

Security experts and travel authorities are seeing a sharp increase in a specific type of crime targeting holidaymakers at international airports. Distraction thefts and “switch” scams have become alarmingly common, particularly in high-traffic airports such as Barcelona El Prat, Rome Fiumicino, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Istanbul Airport.

Thieves are not only going after ultra-luxury items like Rolex watches or diamond earrings. Even mid-range watches and designer costume jewellery are now considered high-value targets. The reason? They’re easy to lift, quick to sell, and often insured—making the loss emotionally devastating but financially inconvenient for victims.

These crimes usually follow a few key patterns:

• Distraction: A thief engages you in conversation, offers to help with bags, or stages a small commotion while their partner strikes.
• The switch: A skilled criminal will replace your genuine item—often a watch or bracelet—with a convincing fake during a moment of inattention.
• Outside zones: Curbside taxi stands and pick-up zones are ideal for quick thefts while you’re handling luggage or checking directions.

Government Travel Advisories: What the Experts Say

Several official travel advisory websites have issued similar warnings or advice related to theft, particularly in crowded transport environments:

• U.S. Department of State recommends travellers “avoid wearing expensive jewellery” and “stay alert in transport hubs”
• Canada’s Travel.gc.ca stresses the importance of not flashing signs of wealth and staying vigilant, especially when in line at customs or picking up bags.
• Australia’s Smartraveller echoes this guidance, warning against “displays of affluence” and urging tourists to “secure personal belongings even in transit areas.”

These consistent themes underline how serious and widespread the problem has become.

Risk Zones: Where to Be Extra Cautious

Not every corner of the airport is equally dangerous, but certain locations offer more cover and opportunity for thieves:

1. Baggage Reclaim Areas: After a long flight, passengers often lower their guard. Thieves may pretend to be fellow travellers and take advantage of a brief distraction.
2. Duty-Free Counters: Shoppers trying on watches or jewellery behind glass are often too absorbed to notice a hand slipping into their handbag or carry-on.
3. Taxi Ranks and Pick-Up Zones: This is when people are typically juggling bags, phones, and maps—creating perfect conditions for a thief to act fast and disappear.

Smart Safety Tips to Protect Yourself

You don’t have to stop wearing your favourite accessories altogether—just follow a few sensible steps to reduce your risk:

• Travel light: Leave heirloom pieces or irreplaceable items at home or in a hotel safe.
• Wear, don’t carry: If you must bring a valuable item, wear it on your person rather than putting it in a bag.
• Avoid outer pockets: Keep high-value items in zippered interior compartments or locked cases.
• Be alert at transition points: These include customs, baggage claim, and exits where strangers may try to assist you.
• Use hotel safes smartly: Once you reach your hotel, secure valuables in the safe rather than carrying them throughout the day.

Danny Toffel, Managing Director at Watches2U, emphasizes the importance of blending in: “Wearing a cheaper travel watch is a smart move if you’re flying into busy tourist hubs. Keep your expensive pieces for secure evenings—not airport terminals.”

If You’re Targeted: What to Do Next

If you realize something’s missing or swapped:

1. Report it immediately to the airport police or local authorities.
2. Notify your consulate or embassy, especially if your passport or other critical items were taken.
3. Contact your insurance provider if you have travel or personal belongings insurance—early reporting helps your claim.

In the U.S., you can file a claim for lost or stolen property at tsa.gov. In Canada, go to travel.gc.ca, and Australians can find instructions on smartraveller.gov.au.

Travel with Confidence

Vacations are about joy, discovery, and creating lifelong memories—not dealing with insurance forms or police reports. While this kind of airport theft may seem daunting, being aware is half the battle. The rest comes down to small, smart choices that keep you and your belongings safe.

So whether you’re off to sip wine in Provence or shop in the Grand Bazaar, take these tips to heart. We want your most valuable memory to be the one you brought home—not what was left behind.

Safe travels and bon voyage!

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