 | Rome Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers Reviews | 1 - 10 of 162 |  |
Yes, the usual warning - be very wary of pickpockets, especially when catching public transport or when in one of the main tourist areas in Rome.
We were on a crowded bus and witnessed a pickpocket in action - the person standing next to us was silly enought to have their wallet in their back pocket and if we hadn't yelled out, they would have lost it!
Just be sensible and alert. Leave a Comment
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The most common advice against being pickpocketed is to be aware of your surroundings. When on vacation, however, it’s hard to be vigilant at all times; it’s more natural to let your guard down. Thus, you should be equipped with the most effective weapon against thieves: the security pouch.
Security pouch is NOT fanny pack (bum bag). It’s common knowledge that anything with a zipper is an opportunity for pickpockets to refine their skill. As a security matter, fanny pack is the most vulnerable; an average thief can unzip it, empty out the contents, and zip it back without ever touching the person -- the location of the bag notwithstanding. As a fashion matter, fanny pack is loud attention-getter, the clearest and surest sign that tells everyone you’re a tourist and an easy target.
Replace your fanny pack with a security pouch. Rather than being worn outside the clothing, security pouches rest underneath your clothes. The pouch is typically a very soft pocket attached on an adjustable cord. It’s suitable for men and women. The pouch is designed to be worn around your neck. For women, I would suggest wrapping the cord slightly below the waist, under the waistband of skirts or trousers. You can pull the adjustable knob to one side and let the pouch hug the side of your hip or thigh; this way there’s no bulk added to your tummy, no strings showing under your neckline, and you maintain discretion while still providing easy access.
Keep everything (e.g., passport, credit cards, and serious money) in the pouch. In your pocket, keep € 10 or € 20, enough for gelato, postcards or coffee, but not enough to cause you grief if you lose it.
For bulkier things like a camera, guidebook and map, get a bag that has a heavy-duty leather pull string with clasp inside, reinforced by a flap-over with sturdy snap on the outside. That way, it would take a thief twice the effort and both hands to open it.
With a security pouch and a sturdy bag, you can be in any crowd and never have to worry about losing anything valuable. Leave a Comment
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While Rome is generally much safer than American cities, there are many skillful pickpockets about.
Many people who will tell you that they didn't have a problem with pickpockets or other scam artists during their visit to Rome. I'm sure they didn't. But do 100 per cent of tourists have to be ripped off before you believe there's a threat?
Obviously, you could ignore advice about keeping your money and credit cards in a safe place, and not have a problem. But.....
On a recent trip to Rome, and our last morning there, we heard an American couple tell their tale of woe at breakfast. They took the crowded Metro, and before the husband knew what happened to him, pickpockets had taken his wallet out of his pants pocket, took the $400 in it, and put the wallet back in his pocket! Later, on the same train, two other con artists tried the same thing!
Just that morning, the couple had discussed whether or not he should use the money belt.
It's the same old story; you never think it could happen to you. So, bring your money belt and use it!
Here's a photo of the one I use. It's very thin and comfortable (the part that touches your skin feels great even in hot sticky weather). I put most of my money, my credit cards and bank card in it, and it's virtually invisible under my clothes.
If you carry a purse, best to shorten the strap and hold it UNDER your arm. (You'll see most Italian woman walking with their purse this way.) Keep all zippers closed and in front. Leave a Comment
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Although most of Rome is no more dangerous than any other major city, there are a few areas in which local thieves like to prey. Be careful at the main train station (Stazione Termini), the Via dei Fori Imperiali (the road between the Collisseum and Piazza Venezia), and similar places that are very crowded with tourists in summer (such as Piazza di Spagna).
Thieves are looking for tourists who are not aware of their surroundings. So before you go out, put your money and credit cards either in a money belt or in a deep front pocket, empty any bags of anything other than what you need today, and in general, make it hard for someone to take something off your person without you knowing it. Then, when you go out, avoid the crowds and look around from time to time, just as you might in any big city.
As I like to say, put on your "New York" face...note that people from large urban settings such as New York normally don't have a problem in Italy. Leave a Comment
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Be extremely cautious when travelling on the subway. A favourite tactic is to crowd you, and distract while a co-worker pursuits your hard earned dollars. (or Euros)
Don't think you will notice someone putting their hand in your purse or hip pocket, this is what they do, they train hard, the're good. Take precautions.
You will be distracted by one person, while another person will take liberties with your belongings, then pass it along to someone else, and if you make accusations, they won't have it in their possession any longer. Then you could feel threatened, and ......
Just remember, pickpockets are much better at their craft then we are at defending ourselves against their craft. Leave a Comment
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Just received the following note from a friend who was here in Rome and returned to Florence.
Well we journeyed to Firenze and arrived intact. Only 5 gypsies approached us at the Rome termini. The last two helped us put our luggage on the train and while Pat was asking me if she should give a tip the one gal had her hand in Pat's purse!!!!!!!!!! Pat yelled at her and I not knowing what was up gave the gal 2 euros. Pat was still is shock trying to explain and I didn't comprehend until I had already given her the euros. She proceeded down the aisle of the train talking to folks until she approached a priest and he started in with a lecture and the two of them emgaged a major debate!!!! So we vowed after this experience that we would, no matter how difficult the task with the luggage, that we would assist "ourselves" and need not outside aid. BUT as soon as we started to unload at the Firenze termani, a young man asked to help and we said YES!!!! hahaha!!! He was a passenger on the train. I personally thought the two that helped us in Rome were passengers......no.......gypsies........
Well - Ms Gypsy, if you see me and a bear in a phone booth - help the bear!
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There are enough horror stories about pickpockets and thieves in Rome to fill a pasta pot several times; I’m not here to add more to it. I’m also not going to tell you that all stories are myths that are created to scare the naïve tourists. In fact, there are thieves and pickpockets in Rome, just like there are thieves and pickpockets everywhere else. Name a big city, and I will guarantee you there are people there whose income comes solely from other people’s wallets.
That said, Rome is not the best playground for members of the pickpocket trade. Far from it. There used to be a fair amount of gypsies in crowd-gathering places, but lately, there are also enough police to match wits with them. In Termini, the police patrol is sufficiently such that suspicious activities and characters have decreased significantly. On your part, it is important that you prepare yourself not be a pickpocket victim.
Please see my tips below (The Modern Armor) on the best way to deter thieves and pickpockets. Leave a Comment
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We were told by Romans that a tap on your leg, especially on METRO stations, is a test for the pick pocketers to tourists... If a person feels the tap, then this person is alert and may be a difficult victim... but if the person tapped did not respond or move, then he or she is an easy target for pickpocketing...
We were also warned that they work as teams - sometimes a whole family (with children) and beware of men carrying folded newspapers or men PRETENDING to be blind and walking with canes... The "blind man" is just looking at the bags to target....
Also, if you have a soft heart and see some gypsies begging - check out their hands. - before giving them a euro or 2. They are usually young women with no wrinkles in their hands - nor are hunchback after their racket. They cover their faces with scarves - you will hardly see a face - but the hands do not lie the age of a person... I saw plump, non calloused, & wrinkle-free hands of these beggars. Leave a Comment
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When you are walking, Please Hold on Tight to Your Bags!
Gipsy children, normally in groups of 4 nr 5, are expert criminals. While one of them tries to divert your attention by showing you something, even a piece of cardboard, the other pick your pocket. Try to avoid them if you see them coming. If you are forced to walk by them, just let them see that you know what they have in mind and they will leave you alone. However the children can be easily spotted. More threatening are the pic-pockets that operate on the buses. Be especially careful on number 64 (Termini-Vatican) and on the Underground which are used mostly by the tourists. Leave a Comment
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As is the case in most big cities, crime is an issue in Rome. Unlike many cities, violent crime is not a great danger. But there are extremely proficient pickpockets, both individuals and groups, that operate near the train station and the usual tourist areas. Here's what you can do to make yourself as difficult a target as possible:
- Try to call as little attention to yourself as possible; e.g. don't talk loudly in a foreign language (such as English) or wear distinctive clothing
- Don't flash cash or reach for your wallet in a public place
- Keep focus: assume any commotion is a diversion, and any contact by strangers might be a pickpocketing attempt
- Carry as few valuables as possible in your wallet. Leave most of your cash, credit cards, passport, and other critical items in a money belt, or in your hotel safe
The bottom line: while there's no reason to be paranoid, realize that you're a target as a tourist because (1) you're likely to be carrying lots of goodies, and (2) you're likely to be distracted. Enjoy yourself, but "Occhi agli Portofogli" (keep your eyes on your wallet).
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