Protecting cell phone from pickpockets in Paris

My husband is from the era of back when cameras were Kodak instamatic camera size. He pulled out an old small camera bag from that bygone era and put his phone (and wallet) in that, and wore it crossbody in front. (I did have to remind him "in front" a couple of times, not hanging straight down over his shoulder. He was especially happy to have it in the crowded special exhibit at the Musee d'Orsay two years ago. It actually was the perfect size.

Our young adult sons use more modern crossbody/sling bags that go in front across the chest. They are small, so they don't feel like they are carrying a purse or anything. Just google men's crossbody/sling and you'll find a lot of options. One is wearing it in Rome next week, and plans to put a little travel lock on the zipper.

Good friends used an outside ATM in Paris, and someone grabbed their money quickly out of the machine. So if we need an ATM, we go to one inside the bank lobby, and then one of us faces out while one uses the machine.

DH has several collared travel shirts that have zippered pockets on the chest, covered by a flap. Phone goes there. Or in a zippered front pocket of his pants.

Jeans pants front pockets. Cargo pants, zippered front pockets.

You don't need a special contraption or special pants. A front pocket is perfectly fine and make sure when you're in a place surrounded by people you are very vigilant. It's no different than New York or Chicago.

To a skilled pickpocket a front pocket is no challenge; years ago my husband casually put his hand in his pocket and discovered another hand was already there unnoticed till that moment.

To a skilled pickpocket a front pocket is no challenge; years ago my husband casually put his hand in his pocket and discovered another hand was already there unnoticed till that moment.

Too true. DH had the same thing happen on a Paris Metro train.