Probably you will worry when reading next advices. We know about several theft or tension stories across Europe , but in every case it is always true that people who suffered that didn´t take the minimum precautions. We have to say that any of us has suffered any problem during the travels for years as Europe is generally a safe place, although always it is better to take some precautions and apply the common sense.

Avoid people that look bad, deserted areas of cities, to wander solo at night, to sleep at train stations or bus stations and don´t trust anyone who address to you in a strange way. Be cautious if you make some travel companions as well. If you're alone, travel during the day if possible.
Respect the people and the culture of the countries you are visiting.

Money

First of all and most important is to keep your money and valuables ( passport, credit cards, plane tickets, train pass ) safely hidden ALWAYS. You should carry them in a security pouch worn under your clothes. There is a variety of styles, and one of the best is one worn around the waist. The most typical and simple loops around your belt and hangs down inside your pant leg. Look for light weight, and sufficient dimensions to hold what's necessary. Don´t show it in public places and don´t leave it ever. Sleep with it if you are with strangers in the room. Carry it with you when going to the bathroom or shower with the toiletries for example. Don´t leave all your valuables in the hotel or hostel when going out to the city.

Another way to secure money is to distribute it through different pockets and places. Keep a wallet with the daily money and necessary cards (student, youth and even identity card if small) in a place difficult to reach for thefts but easy for you as you will need to be constantly taking it.

Luggage

As luggage is concerned the first rule of is to never let your bags out of your sight. This is often no possible, so a small lock (or more) is great for discouraging spontaneous thievery, allowing you to secure your bags to the metal rack in the train compartment or wherever you have to leave them.

Many hostels give keys or keycards to all the people staying in a particular room. The in-room lockers are less common. Most hostels have locked luggage rooms as well. But if you don´t leave your valuables in your pack you don´t have to worry, as back thefts happen very little in hostels. Thieves won´t be temptated by your clothes and toiletries. You can lock the zipper compartments of the backpack with small combination locks to increase precaution.

For groups another nice trick is to link your bags one to each other with locks if for example you want to enter a shop or cafe without them.

Thefts in night trains are very common, for example in France or Eastern Europe . Be careful with your money and valuables and keep them inaccessible while sleeping. Sleeping in groups, even with other travellers is safer. Get on the train early and pick your compartment with care. Try and get in a compartment with other backpackers or respectable people that look professional, educated or has a family with them. Be prepared to move compartment, don´t be embarrassed, just do it if you feel uncomfortable.
People that approach you trying to distract, cheaters and pick-pockets are very common in very touristic and crowded places and transports so pay special attention there. If people are bothering you with strange requests look them in the eye and tell loudly with confidence to leave you alone, and repeat "No"at them. They would much rather rob someone who is clueless and unaware than someone who is confident and challenging them.
You are more likely to have problems in Eastern Europe . In these areas the train staff will often not take much interest in anything and you can´t expect much help from them. However in the rest of the continent security is taken more seriously and if someone is bothering you it is worthwhile reporting it.
You should be aware but not worried. You cannot eliminate the risk of being robbed but you can significantly reduce the chances by being prepared, alert and prepared to look after yourself.

Algunos recomiendan llevar el teléfono de las embajadas en los places, spots que se van a visit por si os sucede algo. En nuestra opinión ésta es demasiada precaución porque es muy fácil conseguir la dirección en la misma ciudad si se necesita.

The criminals smell who walks totally absentminded and happy: tourists. So one way to avoid problems is to look little like a tourist: make little "noise" when walking through a city (for example take solid darker colors and avoid hats). Probably although you try to dress and behave normal thefts still will identify you from close by your bag, camera, language and appearance, but you decrease the probabilities of suffering a theft.
Of course that you can decide to wear whatever you want, and that nobody can change your way of dressing. This is very valid as well, but take into account that criminals will detect you from distance.
In addition maybe you don´t agree but in general Europeans travellers are more aware of the problem (they are used to that) than more innocent North Americans, Australians or Asiatics for example.

In order to contact by phone to the emergency service in any country of the UE, call the 112.