While the Mayor's office has made significant strides in safety, petty theft remains an issue.

• 🏙️ Pickpocketing is rising in Medellín — especially in El Poblado, Laureles, Centro, and on the metro. This isn't unique to Colombia. Paris, Barcelona, and London all report similar or worse stats.

• 📉 Medellín crime is down overall, but petty theft and phone snatching ("cosquilleo") are up. Phones and wallets are the top targets—don’t flash either.

• 👖 Dress low-key and layer smart — zippered pockets, crossbody bags worn under hoodies, and decoy wallets go a long way. Don’t wear anything you’d hate to lose.

• 📵 Keep your stuff close — use anti-theft bags, front pockets, or burner phones. Don’t pull out your iPhone on a packed train. And don’t carry your whole life in one bag.

• 🚇 Stay sharp, not scared — most thefts are crimes of opportunity. Avoid distractions, know your surroundings, and use the same instincts you’d use in any big city.
  
  

If you have traveled to Europe or the US, you have definitnely heard about pickpocketing. This has been a thing for the entirety of my life that I've travelled, and while it was a small thing to be worried about in Medellin, over the past 6 months, pickpocketing has grown to be a glaring issue, but you can protect yourself against this growing crime. This just like getting your cell phone bipped on the street are all crimes of convenience. Your risk of getting robbed goes way down if you use some street smarts.

The Reality in Medellín

In 2024, Medellín experienced a reduction in most high-impact crimes, including theft from persons. However, pickpocketing, known locally as "cosquilleo," continues to occur, especially in busy areas like El Poblado, Laureles, and Centro.

A Global Perspective

As I said, pickpocketing isn't unique to Medellín. Cities like Paris, Barcelona, and London also grapple with this issue:​

• Paris: 251 pickpocketing incidents per million visitors in 2024. ​

• Barcelona: Pickpocketing accounted for 48.1% of crimes in 2024. ​

• London: 89,879 thefts from the person reported in the year up to June 2024, a 38% increase from the previous year.

These figures highlight that pickpocketing is a common challenge in urban centers worldwide.​ If you also look these are all cities that are travel destinations and have a high number of tourists. The main difference here in Medellin is that locals are getting targeted as well. The most common thefts in Medellin are phones and wallets according to Police crime stats.

Practical Tips to Stay Safe in Medellín

1. Dress Smart

• Opt for clothing with zippered or hidden pockets.​

• Avoid flashy accessories or designer items that draw attention. (Saying this again)

• Sometimes when I go out, I wear a pair of joggers with a pair of shorts under them. Placing my wallet in the shorts, where I still have access, but it's not easy to get to.

• Use a security crossbody bag that can be worn in front.​ I recommend this EXAMPLE

• If you wear a crossbody bag, and it's a little chilly outside, you can wear a hoodie over it for added protection.
  

2. Be Mindful of Your Belongings

• My honest recommendation here is to buy a cheap burner phone before you even come.

• Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets or inside bags.​

• Use anti-theft backpacks or money belts.​ I recommend this EXAMPLE

• Avoid using your phone openly in crowded areas.​ (Again with this, yes, I know.)

• Don't bring too much stuff out with you.
  

3. Stay Alert in High-Risk Areas

• Be extra cautious in crowded places like the metro, buses, and popular tourist spots.​ Most pickpocketing thefts have been happened in touristy areas and on the metro in Medellin.

• Avoid distractions from strangers that may be tactics to divert your attention.​

• Stay vigilant, and avoid slipping into vacation mode.
  

4. Travel Smart

• Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.​

• Don't walk around drunk or coked out. Your senses are lowered and you are an even bigger target.

• Use reputable transportation options.​

• Inform someone about your whereabouts when exploring new places.​

• Share your location on Whatsapp with a trusted person.

  
  

Final Thoughts

While Medellín has seen improvements in safety, it's critical to remain vigilant. Pickpocketing is far from a Medellin-specific issue, but honestly it remains a concern, much like in other major cities worldwide. Statistically speaking you're incredibly more likely to get pickpocketed than robbed with scopolamine. Obviously getting drugged is a larger issue if you make poor decisions and put yourself into bad positions, but pickpocketing is still even far more likely. The most important piece of information I can give you, is to never show off that you have something worth stealing. Expensive headphones/earbuds, phones, jewelry, cash, etc are all targets. All robberies here in Medellin on the street are crimes of convenience.

By taking practical precautions, you can enjoy all that Medellín has to offer while minimizing risks. Like I say in every safety warning here - street smarts go a long way here. You don't need to be paranoid, just smart.