Paris is a relatively safe city, with typical big city issues. Overall, 2006 saw a mild reduction in the crime rate (-1.2%), with a strong 9.9% reduction in crimes committed in metro, RER and train stations, an area of concern for the 19,000 police officers of Paris. Crime has declined steadily over the last several years. Most crimes are non-violent in nature, such as pickpocketing, especially in touristy areas or on the metro.

Pickpockets tend to work in pairs. A common technique involves one person distracting you, perhaps with a confusing question or a request for change, while a second person goes for your goods. Pickpockets like to work the metro because they will know its corridors better than you, and there’s always a train arriving to quickly put distance between you and them. When in tight confines, such as metro cars and elevators, pay extra attention to those around you. Most importantly, use common sense. Don’t let a stranger carry your bag, don’t excessively display valuables such as cameras or mobile phones, and be vigilant.

As a general rule, do not walk alone at night in the large metro transfer stations such as République, Châtelet-Les Halles, or Montparnasse. The area around République is known for its drug trade, while Les Halles is populated by petty criminals and prostitutes. When taking the metro after dark, sit in the first car. If an incident occurs, knock on the front window to alert the driver of the train.