‘The image has been tarnished’: big-spending Chinese tourists are increasingly being targeted by thieves in Paris
Last week, a group of about 40 Chinese tourists were gassed and robbed outside their hotel near the French capital’s Orly Airport
Leon Chen looks frazzled as he shepherds a group of Chinese tourists through the Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris, past stands stacked with luxury bags, perfume, jewellery and caviar.
As a guide, he knows all too well that cash-flush visitors lugging bags of valuables are easy prey for muggers and pickpockets.
“It’s happened many times. The last two groups I had were robbed in this store,” he said, recounting how unseen predators made off with bags momentarily left on the floor by their owners. “I tell them Paris is dangerous and to hide their money inside their clothes. I try to be more careful everywhere. What more can I do?”
While all tourists are potential prey for thieves, the big-spending Chinese, who have a reputation for carrying wads of cash with them, have emerged as a prime target.
The last two groups I had were robbed ... I tell them Paris is dangerous and to hide their money