I am staying at a hotel in Rome close to Termini station, what should I anticipate as far as crime?

Question

I have already payed for the room for both myself and my girlfriend. I know that it is supposed to be somewhat dangerous at night. What level of danger do I need to anticipate? I chose the place for its centralized location close to the sights we wanted to see. For local Romans who might know more about the area it is situated near Piazza Repubblica. Can you tell me what I should know to be safe? I have read about pick pockets and feel I should be alright as far as that goes but should I be concerned about violent crime? Thank you!

Answer 1

We went to Rome in June 2006 and had no problems with crime.  We did take some precautions though.  In anticipation of possible pickpocketing we wore money belts.  You can also wear the pouch on a neck string and keep it under your shirt or sweater. (I heard that there are some strap cutters, so keep it well hidden)For the guys, do not carry wallets in your back pockets.  For the girls be careful about handbags.  If you must carry one wear one with a long shoulder strap and have the pocketbook above waist level and in the front.  If you can avoid carrying it that would be even better.  We carried credit cards in our money belts.

The other thing to watch is "gypsies" who will try to distract you while another one robs you.  I heard that one will sometimes hand you a piece of paper or cardboard to read while another robs you as you are reading it.  Don't take it, keep on walking even if they are persistent which I heard that they are. Luckily, we didn't experience this first hand but I have a couple of friends who did.  Just be cautious, don't walk around too much at night, be aware of your surrounding and people who are near you.  Be vigilant in touristy spots such as the Trevi Fountain where people are jammed in close together.  A few precautions, and you should be fine.  Have fun.  Ciao!!!

Answer 2

More likely than pick-pockets are the scammers.  Signing you and your girlfriend up for tour groups that don't exist, that sort of thing.  Just use your common seance.  There are also a lot of beggars in that area, so we warned.  As for the pick pockets, they are a talented group.  Carry your wallet in your back pocket as usual but have important things (passport, credit cards) in a front pocket or jacket pocket.  You wife should NOT carry a purse or hand-bad: its a like waving a red flag.  BTW: as long as your near by don't miss going to the Bathhouse of Diocletian, know today as the Basilica de Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri; its breathtaking.

Answer 3

Hey,, look,, just dont go tromping around much at night around that station,, go eat supper , go to disco... go to the Hard Rock Cafe,, but just dont go just the two of you out Late! !!

Use your better judgement, and yes the pickpockets, purse snatchers are Very Good !!  that goes for cameras, and phones also,, and backpacks...

good luck

Answer 4

don't sweat it!! At night I would tell your girlfriend to leave her purse in the room. Its pick pocketers those d**n losers are all over the place. Just keep your eyes open that's all.. I travel alone all the time and to tell you the truth I was more afraid to walk in Seattle at night then Rome!

Crime in Italy isn't like the US. The pick pocketers aren't even Italian they are eastern Europeans living illegally in Italy robbing tourist and locals.

Answer 5

Don't be worried about violent crime...unless you go looking for it, and I mean really looking for it, the only thing that should worry tourists is pickpockets, inexistent tours or hotels offered at the train station and illegal taxis which will charge you double the regular fare....enjoy your trip and have fun!!!

Answer 6

just use common sense, the area used to be dangerous but it got better since some years. especially if its near piazza della repubblica. haven't heard about violent crimes around there since a long time. just try to avoid secondary streets, but anyways i know some girls that live in the area and they feel safe. just try not to act like a lost tourist and people shouldnt bother you.