I got in a fight with a gang of Paris pickpocketers – it was terrifying but here’s what to look out for
An American woman who moved to France made a video about the scary moment when she found herself in a fight with notorious Parisian pickpockets.
Amanda Rollins, a writer and brand strategist from Boston, quit her job and moved to the city with nothing but a cat, a suitcase full of clothes, and $1,500.
Since then, she’s been documenting her new life as a Parisian on Instagram and TikTok. @americanfille.
However, one of her latest videos recounts a terrifying experience when she came face to face with the city’s pickpockets.
An American woman who moved to France made a video about the scary moment when she found herself in a fight with notorious Parisian pickpockets.
She told her 909,000 followers: “I just got into a fight with Parisian pickpockets – literally all of them, about nine of them, and yes, I made a video so I’ll show you.”
“I just got home and I’m a little stressed. So, I took (metro) line 1 and got off at the Palais Royal-Museum du Louvre.
“As I walk down the stairs, I see a group of notorious pickpockets.”
The writer explained: “When I say that this is a known group of pickpockets, when the train drivers see them boarding the train, they come up and say, ‘Hey guys, pickpockets just got on the train, so watch your things.’ because they know who these people are.
“I know who these people are. Once you see them, you will know who they are.”
Remembering this conversation, she immediately wanted to shout “Attention, pickpocket” so that everyone around her would know about it.
However, she realized they were heading in the same direction as her and decided to “get them on video so people could see what they looked like and what they were wearing.”
The American said: “What they wear is what identifies them: they have a big coat with a bag over their shoulder, and they will use their jacket to cover their arm while they reach into your things and slide into theirs.” bags.
The American said: “What they wear is what identifies them: they have a big coat with a bag over their shoulder, and they will use their jacket to cover their arm while they reach into your things and slide into theirs.” bags’
“Apparently there was one or two behind me who saw me filming and started saying, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ You can’t film, you don’t have the right to film,’ and I thought, I can do whatever the hell I want.”
“They didn’t like it, so they started yelling at me, but I didn’t care, I just kept filming.” Then I said, “Okay, I’ll just keep going,” but then they followed me and I said, “Okay, I guess we’ll do this.”
Amanda decided to start filming again while they followed her because “if something happened” she “wanted to at least get it on video.”
Shocked, she recalled: “They’re filming me, they’re getting my face, so they’ll probably go back to their damn boss and show them who I am, and I’ll probably be removed.” next week, but all I want is for you to have a good time in Paris.
“It breaks my damn heart when I hear stories about people coming here and picking pockets.”
The Boston native said she’s been robbed as many as five times, so this is “personal” for her.
She angrily told her followers: “Paris is a great city, but such people, the scum of the earth, these thieves are ruining it for everyone else.”
“Then one of them pushed me and I pushed her back. Sorry, I’m very shocked right now. Stop stealing from people.
The disturbing altercation took place on the first metro line when Amanda got off at the Palais Royal, the Louvre Museum.
“Here’s a video: all these girls walking around quickly with bags over their shoulders are known pickpockets.”
In the clip, you see the group shout something in French to the tourist before she responds: “Touch me one more time and that will be the last time you use your fingers, I’ll tell you that right now.”
Amanda concluded the video by emphasizing, “Stealing from people is wrong, period. All this to say: I know what I just did is risky and probably stupid, but if you’re ever in Paris and see one of these people, keep your shit shut.”
She laughed, “Please, for the love of God, let this video save at least one person, otherwise I will be kicked out for no reason.”
One shocked commenter wrote: “Five times? I’m so sorry, are you okay? I have never felt such a feeling of gratitude and I take the subway every day. Be safe.’
Another asked: “Even if the drivers know them, why don’t the police do anything?” Please, take care of yourself!!!’
Meanwhile, others wrote: “I would carry a decoy bag with mousetraps inside” and “Well done!!! It’s terrible, but I’m also proud of you for standing up for yourself!!!’
Someone else added: “They followed me onto the train with my travel backpack and bags. I went and sat on all my stuff in the corner of the train and just looked at it.”