The short answer
It is the main crime risk for visitors, but it is manageable. Pickpockets work the thickest crowds: Jemaa el-Fna in the evening and the narrowest, busiest souk lanes. Keep your phone in a front pocket, wear a bag across your body with the zip in front, and do not carry all your cash and cards in one place.
In more detail
Violent crime against tourists is rare in Marrakech, so pickpocketing is the thing to plan for. The tight lanes and constant jostling make it easy for someone to brush past. Phones held loosely while you navigate, and back pockets, are the usual targets.
Split your money. Keep a small daily float in an easy pocket for tea, taxis and tips, and the rest in a zipped inner pocket or back at the riad. A money belt is more than most people need. Do not flash a thick wad of notes when you pay in the souk.
If something is taken, report it at the nearest police station and ask for a 'déclaration de vol'. Your insurer will need it, and many policies cap single items such as phones and cameras, so check the limits before you travel.
Good to know
- Step into a doorway to check your phone rather than standing in the flow.
- Leave your passport in the riad and carry a photo of it.
- Use a camera strap across the body in crowded areas.