Is pick pocketing as big of a problem as everyone says it is in Italy?

Question

I'm going to Enland, France, and Italy this summer and everyone is telling me it's terrible in Italy and I should buy pocket protectors and things that are expensive so I won't get pick pocketed. If it's really a big problem, then I'll buy some of it but if it's not then I don't want to waste money on it.

Answer 1

It's not that bad. I went to Rome a month ago and nothing happened. Of course if I was you I'd put my wallet in the front pocket or wear the backpack in the front, that way you're more secured.

Answer 2

I may have a different perspective than most. I have had a pickpocket attempt to take my wallet. I was on a train in Rome.  There were two of them. A man and a woman The guy talked to me to distract me. He asked the time and when I held my watch up, he grabbed my arm as though he was twisting it for a better view. I now know that he was holding my arm so that she could reach into my side pocket. Simply by accident, I had already brushed against her and she probably decided not to pursue it.

I am extremely cautious. In fact the wallet in my pocket was actually a fake wallet. I had a cheap wallet with a few dollars and a few euros and some gift cards with no balance remaining. I also put in some of the sample credit cards that come with credit card applications that say "your name here".

(I did use this wallet when making small purchases. I would just re-load it with $20 or so every morning.)

Looking back, I almost wish they had gotten it just so I would have the last laugh.

My real valuables were in a wallet on a string around my neck under my shirt.

They are as bad as they say. Take a little time to prepare. Be aware of who is around you. Try to avoid showing money when you are paying for anything.

There is no reason to be paranoid, however. I would say the trains are the worst place. Think about it. They need contact. Trains are crammed full. There is a lot of shifting and bumping. And to them a new crop of victims get on every stop.

Crowded tourist attractions are popular also. Face it, tourists are probably carrying more money and have less experience with pickpockets. But I've known of local tour guides having valuables stolen.

You are probably okay anywhere else, including stations. Just try to avoid crushing crowds.

And this may seem cold but, its a little like the old joke: "you don't have to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun the other people." By that I mean that they are going after the best target. Make sure you aren't that best target.

Keep valuables where they cant be taken. If you do have a Hotel that will be responsible that is an option. But for the valuables you take with you, keep them where they are difficult to get to.

Consider a fake wallet. Avoid those tight crowds. Travel in groups. (they are less likely to try your pocket if there are five or six other friends walking and talking and looking at you).

And even though this is not exactly what you asked. Know where your possessions are all the time. A backpack by your feet in a restaurant can get bumped a little and then be easily in reach of someone wanting it.

The bad guys are watching you. You just need to be watching (for) them.

Answer 3

I went with a tour group in April to Italy. if you keep your money in a money belt and watch your possessions, you will be fine! try not to be too paranoid.

Answer 4

Hello,

It can be pretty bad.  I would invest the 20 dollars for a money belt.  If you are in a crowded, touristy area in Rome, then there will be pick pockets around.  Just be safe and worry about one less thing by buying the money belt.  

Donna

Answer 5

I've never experienced any problems but to be safe, leave the bulk of your money in your hotel's safe, carry some back-up cash in a money-belt worn under your clothes and keep your bag / wallet in front of you at all times. If you start getting low on cash in your wallet you can always "go to the toilet" to get some more out of your moneybelt.

One problem that does occur in Italy are bag snatchings, often with thieves working in tandem on a moped - one drives close to you, the person on the bag grabs your bag.  Wear your bag across your body / hang on to it at all times.

BUT don't be too alarmed. Use your common sense...and enjoy your holiday.