Monaco is widely regarded as one of Europe’s safest destinations, thanks to its highly visible police presence, extensive surveillance network and proactive approach to public security…

Unlike many of Europe’s busiest tourist destinations, where pickpocketing is a well-known risk, street theft in the Principality is comparatively rare. That does not mean visitors should become complacent, however. Pickpocketing is an opportunistic crime that can occur almost anywhere, and the inconvenience of replacing stolen bank cards, identification and electronic devices can far outweigh the value of any cash carried.

The Principality has one of the highest concentrations of police officers and surveillance cameras anywhere in the world, making it an exceptionally difficult place for professional pickpockets to operate. Monaco also has one of the highest police-to-population ratios globally. Recent figures show that around 620 police officers and staff serve a resident population of approximately 38,000 to 39,000 people, meaning there is roughly one public security employee for every 60 to 65 residents.

The force is supported by a network of nearly 1,300 CCTV cameras monitored around the clock from a central command centre, helping officers detect suspicious behaviour and respond rapidly. Uniformed patrols are a constant presence throughout Monte Carlo, the marina and casino district, whilst plain-clothes officers focus on preventing crime before it occurs. Hotels, businesses and event organisers also work closely with police, sharing intelligence and reporting suspicious activity.

The results reflect this proactive approach. In 2024, Monaco recorded 888 offences across all categories, with authorities describing overall crime levels as moderate and largely under control. During 2025, police carried out more than 134,000 identity checks and over 12,000 interventions, demonstrating their emphasis on prevention as well as enforcement.

Much of what is known about professional pickpocketing comes from the work of internationally recognised expert Bob Arno, who has spent more than four decades studying the methods used by organised thieves. Working alongside police forces and security agencies across Europe and beyond, Arno has helped law enforcement agencies better understand distraction techniques, crowd-based theft and the behaviour of professional pickpockets. His research has influenced crime prevention training used by many police organisations and has improved public awareness of common scams.

Arno has also highlighted how certain rail routes have historically attracted organised thieves. In his work, he has examined how busy international rail services linking Florence, Monaco and Paris have provided opportunities for professional pickpocket gangs. Thanks to the combined efforts of European police forces, improved intelligence sharing and modern crime prevention strategies, such offences are now far less common in Monaco than in many other major tourist destinations.

An interesting historical parallel comes from the British-born confidence trickster and gambler Canada Bill Jones (1837–1877). Known for his skill at deception, particularly through gambling and card games, Jones became famous for his ability to separate people from their money.

According to railway folklore, Jones once offered the Pinkerton Detective Agency $1,000 per month to allow him to continue riding the railways, arguing that his profits from cheating people were so substantial that he could afford to pay for the privilege. The Pinkertons reportedly declined the offer. Although the story has become part of railway legend rather than a fully documented historical event, it illustrates how crime and traveller confidence have long been closely connected—a lesson reflected in Monaco’s investment in policing, surveillance and crime prevention.

Visitors can further reduce their risk by taking a few simple precautions. Keep valuables secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash, remain alert in crowded places and be particularly aware during major events or at transport hubs. Combined with Monaco’s exceptional security infrastructure, these straightforward precautions make the already low risk of becoming a victim even smaller.

For readers interested in learning more about travel crime prevention, Bob Arno and his wife, Beverly Arno, also wrote Travel Advisory: How to Avoid Thefts, Scams, and Break-ins While Traveling.

References

  • Bob Arno and Beverly Arno, Travel Advisory: How to Avoid Thefts, Scams, and Break-ins While Traveling.
  • Monaco Tribune, Monaco Police Department reviews 2024 crime figures, announces new projects for 2025. (Crime statistics and Monaco Public Security comments.)
  • Monaco Public Security Department and official security review reports. (Police staffing levels, surveillance systems and operational statistics.)
  • Nice-Matin, Supervision, interventions… Toutes les statistiques de la police monégasque en 2025. (2025 identity checks and police intervention figures.)
  • Journal de Monaco, official population statistics for the Principality of Monaco.
  • Historical references on Canada Bill Jones, including accounts of his career as a confidence trickster and gambler. The Pinkerton $1,000-per-month anecdote is treated as railway folklore rather than a verified historical event.

Image: Vitaly Gariev