I've heard a lot of bad things about pickpockets in Italy. We are going to Rome/Florence in August. Any suggestions on how to avoid our belongings getting stolen?
I've heard a lot of bad things about pickpockets in Italy. We are going to Rome/Florence in August. Any suggestions on how to avoid our belongings getting stolen?
The vast majority of visitors will never encounter a pickpocket or a thief - I myself never have, nor has anyone I've talked to personally - but I don't want to be the unlucky one who does. Some people will tell you to just be alert, but pickpockets support themselves on their take - they are GOOD. You likely won't even know you've been hit until you reach for your wallet and find it gone. It's a major drag spending a day of your precious vacation at the embassy getting your passport replaced, your credit cards cancelled, and money wired from home. Fortunately, avoiding pickpockets is fairly easy.
Road Crazy's guide to avoiding theft and pickpocketry:
Carry only one day's worth of money in your wallet or purse. If your wallet or purse is stolen, it will be inconvenient, but it won't ruin your trip.
Get a money belt, neck pouch, leg wallet, or other under-the-clothes money holder (available from travel sites like Magellan and Travelsmith, at any luggage store, and in the luggage sections of Target and Walmart). In it keep your passport, your "big" money, and credit and ATM cards you won't need that day. If you need to access it during the day, step into a restroom, changing room, or somewhere out of view - don't let people see where you are keeping your goodies.
NO wallets in back pockets.
Purses should be worn across the body and in front of you.
At restaurants, keep purses, backpacks, and cameras/camera bags on the table, in your lap, or between your feet on the floor with a leg through the strap. DON'T hang them on the chair or put them on the seat next to you.
Always stay in physical contact with all your possessions at all times when in public - suitcases, backpacks, purses, everything.
Beware of diversions - a scuffle or argument, someone bumping you, someone asking you for directions (you're a tourist, why would you know?), someone random engaging you in a conversation (you're one of a million tourists, so you aren't exactly exotic), someone trying to "help" you. While you're distracted, their partner may be cleaning you out.
In crowds and on mass transit, wear backpacks on your front.
Be alert to what's going on around you, ESPECIALLY at train stations and on and around the metro/buses, in crowds, and around major tourist attractions. The Colosseum area is famous for pickpockets, as is Bus 64 that runs between the train station and the Vatican.
As was added below by I_Heart_Venice, also be alert when shopping, especially at open air markets, and when you have your wallet out to pay for something. "Pay close attention to your surroundings, particularly when you are least inclined to pay attention to your surroundings." Good advice indeed.
This may seem like a lot, but it really isn't. Once you've taken these precautions, most of which are very simple, you can actually relax and enjoy yourself more, because you're not a good mark and you don't have much at risk. Again, chances are you'll never meet a pickpocket, so don't stress unduly about it.
I am now a firm believer in under clothing money belts and leave the wallet at home. I now only carry 1 day's worth or euro in my pocket, so if I am clipped it will not ruin my entire vacation. I was in Roma last month for a wedding and I always used my money belt. These thieves are, except for the one listed in my link, skilled craftsmen and they earn their living robbing people. That lady now is probably a more accomplished thief. Keep in mind that the vast majority of people never have any problems with thieves.
RC listed very good suggestions for personal safety and security.
RC's list is the "Golden Rule" for smart traveling....I've witnessed pick pocket action in France and Italy....skilled they are, but not following these necessary guidelines makes it so easy for them and please....leave the jewelry @ home, especially in Naples :)
After reading all of this, I am now considering purchasing a money belt. I agree that all of RC's suggestions are smart, and are good advice for travel anywhere, and although I have always considered myself "street smart" and aware, and I never carry large chunks of cash, it sounds like a money belt would still make sense.
Obviously crime is an issue in any city worldwide, but is is especially bad in Italy? Are there more pickpockets, or more highly skilled pickpockets in Rome and Florence, then are to be found in say New York or Chicago?
Thieves and pickpockets follow the 1930's bank robber Willie Sutton's philosophy. When asked why he robbed banks Willie responded, "that's where they keep the money." Well, tourists are perceived as having money or they wouldn't be there in the first place. The thieves in Italy are not violent, per se, but they just want your money/credit cards/camera, etc. Tourist centers are target rich environments with little chance of being caught or prosecuted.
Ten years ago in Venice someone stopped a pickpocket on a vaperetto we were on and he jumped overboard. Instantaneously, Italian police boats materialized out of no where and fished him out of a canal. It was quite an episode. Thieves are quick and skilled, so an ounce of prevention...
I always carry a money belt, and i have a leather sholder purse that wraps around me with the zipper under my arm and in the front. You can't be too careful, be wise, no dark areas, don't put anything down next to you anywhere, they run by you and steal it and it's gone. cameras, purses, backpack you name it.
The only suggestion I can add to Road Crazy's excellent list is to try and take buses and subways in Rome that aren't packed to the gills. Sometimes this is not an option, especially during the evening rush hour where every subway is crowded, but public transport is a huge pickpocketing spot, especially any route that runs through the major tourist sites, so be aware. Also, if you're on the Spanish Steps during peak tourist hours (i.e. when there are so many people that you can't actually see the steps), do not let any of the merchants shove a rose in your hand, because they will say that you've taken it and will make you pay for it. Most importantly, don't forget to have an amazing time!
"Are there more pickpockets, or more highly skilled pickpockets in Rome and Florence, then are to be found in say New York or Chicago?"
The easy availability of guns in the US make it easier and more effective for street thieves to simply intimidate in order to rob. In Europe, you've got to develop pickpocketing skills, or a scam to get someone to take out their wallet. Road Crazy's advice for keeping your money safe is good, and you needn't worry about your personal safety. European cities have much better records than American cities of visitor safety.
...The easy availability of guns in the US make [sic] it easier and more effective for street thieves to simply intimidate in order to rob.... Posted by mushroom
The number of violent gun related crimes throughout Italy tied to other areas of criminality (mafia, 'Ndrangheta, crimes of passion, etc.) easily disproves the "lesser availability" association of firearms to robbery, particularly when compared to major metropolitan areas like Chicago that have some of the strictest regulations against firearm possesion (so that only the criminals can actually possess them, often acting through the criminal system to acquire them). One major factor that can help explain the fact that pickpockets act so easily in places like Rome and Florence (and also help travellers avoid this happeneing to them) is that so many tourists let their guard down, or become so easily distracted when dealing with so many new foreign elements, so that the criminals "catch them while they aren't looking", which is just an easier way to get away without getting caught.
One addition (or maybe better labelled extension) I would add to Road Crazy's Guide would be paying particular attention while shopping, particularly for example at the market places (much more common in Italy than the States), or in any crowded shopping area. It is so easy, when looking for something, or after paying for something and looking for something else, with bags already purchased, to lose track of one or the other more easily than when you are "just" sightseeing. And anytime you pay for something, you usually give a view of where you are keeping the money you are using (even if you are sagely carrying as little as you need for the day, but still more than the pickpocket currently has in his pocket). Particularly in a crowded "mercato rionale", with people crowded and jostling around just to check out the goods. The best solution is to pay close attention to your surroundings. Particularly when you are least inclined to pay attention to your surroundings...
I-heart-Venice, the number of gun-related crimes in Italy -- including in areas controlled by organized crime and crimes of passion -- is a fraction of what it is in the US. Those numbers are easily available on the web. Also I think you misunderstand how criminals get guns in the US. They steal them from people who bought them legally by breaking into their houses and stores. Italy has infinitely fewer handguns in private hands than the US. An Italian street thief who wants to make a living using a gun to rob people is not going to have an easy time getting one, and the chieftains of organized crime are not likely to help him out.
I agree with the travel advice that was posted at the top of this thread: "Some people will tell you to just be alert, but pickpockets support themselves on their take - they are GOOD."
Thank you all - I really appreciate the feedback. I can't wait for our trip! We will definitely get a money belt and watch out the best we can. Posted by dricard07
You have probably read a lot of other trip suggestions. As a type of "Insurand Action", My wife and I made copies of our important documents (e.g. Licence, Passports, insurance cards, and put them in an Email to ourselves that would could access in Italy if we ran into any unforseen activity that would include the loss of documents.
One more tip I have heard for men...............traveling in ANY city or crowded event........put a rubber band around your wallet....it slows down a pickpocket.... and always divide your money......even if you "only" have one days worth......divide the one days worth. I keep all singles and small currency in one place....so as I am reaching for just a dollar or two..............all of the rest doesn't show.
Disruptive scenes like two people fighting on the street are to distract attention as someone else picks pockets. When it gets weird in any way try to remember to guard your wallet.
Don't think it can't happen to you. We were one block away from our hotel, walking on the best street in Rome, right in front of Tiffany's. Our goal was to see the Spanish Steps. My friend had his wallet on the inside pocket of a jacket - buttoned. Don't think you are keeping an eye on the stereotypical adult pickpocket. A group of kids, the oldest being about 10 years old, came up to us, all of them ranting and raving in Italian. One had a large cardboard sign, which the held up to us. I assumed it was a request for money - we just said no and continued walking. A few feet away from the spot, it dawned on me to have my friend check for his wallet - GONE. He didn't feel a thing. The sign serves as a distraction. While one is talking, another quickly reaches under the sign and into your pocket. It was a side of a card board box - nothing sophisticated.
Credit cards can be replaced, but it can take a few days. We went to the police station, which was a waste of time. We had to wait for six others in line before us, there to report similar situations! The worst part was that a few days later we saw the same group of kids walking towards us, holding up the sign, ready for another attack.
One of the best things you can do is start yelling. I caused such a disturbance, telling them they got us once and they won't do it again. A bit of swearing on both of our parts ended with them walking away. So be on the lookout for people coming up to you with cardboard signs as distractions. Apparently this method is used often. If you do see it ahead of time, cause a commotion, which should stop it. They don't want to attract attention to themselves.
My theory is to GIVE them something to steal!! My husband carries a dime store wallet in his back pocket which contains play monoply money and a note which says, "ladro" (thief). We have carried that silly wallet around the world and back a couple of times and no one will steal it!! Anyway- consider two types of belt wallets. There is the cotton under your clothing kind and there is a leather belt which has a zippered compartment along its seam. We have both. We also have leg bags and neck bags. Probably as important, we do not wear our "expensive" jewelry--I wear a $10 engagement ring from Kohl's zircon collection and the necklaces stay home. I do not take anything with us which would cause heartache to lose. We have one daypack between us so that there are two of us watching one item at all times. When we were in a tiny village in China, our guide who spoke no English mimed for us to reverse the bag and wear it in front. Fashion statement? no but effective? yes . Also look at your camera- most likely the "leash" is a tiny piece of thread which attaches you to the camera. Consider threading a zip tie or a wire which can not be easily cut. Leave purses at home, especially named purses. Look at yourself in the mirror and decide, what am I carrying which someone would want? If you can, leave the item at home. I was pickpocketed YEARS & YEARS ago in a Paris train station WHILE we were talking to the reservation officer! If you are pickpocketed,please do not let the experience color your vacation or have you telling people how horrible the country is. Learn from it and move on .
My suggestion, along with the wonderful advise already posted is this; if your husband is carrying the money, no wallet neeeded, place the cash in the front pocket of his trousers and pin the pocket together. If you need to access the money for a purchase, it only takes a second to unpin the pocket to get to your money. The pin should be on the inside of the pocket, not the outside. If you're in a crowd, place your hands in your pockets at all times while standing still. No one will reach into your pockets while your own hands are in there. Keep nothing in your back pockets or front jacket pockets. I agree with the distraction theory. Be aware at all times and don't be flattered if locals come up to you for directions. It's definiately a thief! Another suggestion for woman is to carry a large strap travel type bag and not a purse.Wear the bag across the front of you and keep only the necessities for your daily events. Leave the rest in the hotel safe or wherever you are staying and secure the balance of the money and credit cards you won't need for the day. Theives can spot American's a mile away so try to blend in. Children are also very good at what they do so don't be fooled by the cutsie local kids wanting to touch the fabric of your suit or dress. It will always be a thief.
Violent crime rates are generally higher in US cities than in Europe, but European cities have a lot more petty theft.
However, most of the crime in most US cities takes place in a few bad neighborhoods that tourists don't go to, and almost all of the tourist areas of New York, Washington DC, Miami, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are very safe. By contrast, pickpockets and other thieves in Europe often deliberately hang out in tourist areas and target tourists, and so this is a very real concern in the tourist areas of cities like Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Naples, and Prague. Italy is not a high-crime country by any means, and the vast majority of visitors have no problem at all, but theft is more of an issue there than in other parts of Europe - Scandinavia or Germany, for example, have virtually no crime against tourists.
