how notorious are the pickpocketers, snatchers...bad guys victimizing tourists in rome?

Answer 1

They work in pairs - we were accosted by a couple of women, one with a baby (a common ploy). They used a piece of cardboard (another common ploy) to try and distract us so they could pick our pocket from under the cardboard. I read about this very tactic in Rick Steves' travel guides, but I never expected it to actually be tried out on us. I yelled at them to get away. They disappeared like they had never been there - they sure knew how to make a fast getaway. They got nothing from us, but be aware. They go for cameras, fanny packs, and anything in your pockets. Keep your valuables in a moneybelt, and don't wear fanny packs. Keep your camera very close, and not on a strap around your neck. (My uncle got his stolen in Australia this way - they just cut the strap off his neck.) Straps and fanny packs are like magnets for thieves - very easy to cut away. Even if you feel it being cut, odds are they will still be able to get it - it only take a second to disappear in a crowd. Just ask my uncle. I was at an intersection in Madrid with a group of people, waiting to cross the street, when one of the guys yelled that someone was trying to pick his pocket. Boy, the thief sure got out of there fast. Was across the street in no time. You need to be a savvy tourist - don't carry valuables with you, but if you do make sure that they are well-protected.

They tend to target people who look like tourists - someone who lives there wouldn't be likely to carry a camera or large amounts of cash. Whereas a tourist would probably have at least one of these on his person, especially in a fanny pack or other small bag.

Answer 2

I just got back from Rome a few weeks ago. My family and I had no trouble but we took most of the advice given in the previous answers. Try not to carry any more cash with you than you think you will need for the day. Keep your credit card in a money belt. And I found this one the most helpful....carry your camera in a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. I used a sling bag from a company named "ful". It held my professional camera and a flash with ease. Whenever I walked into an area where there were a lot of people or congestion I simply slipped the bag to the front and drapped my arm over the top.

I really kept my eyes open when on a bus in Rome. There is a lot of confusion on this mode of transport....especially for tourists who don't know how to get on or off the bus. This is a prime time to get your pocket picked. Keep you back to a wall if possible and be especially careful on buses headed to the Vatican. A lot of tourists use this bus (#64?) and it is a favorite of pick pockets.

We had no problems. Just be very aware of your surroundings.

Answer 3

I think that the travel books scare people too much about pickpocketing. The key is not making yourself susceptible and always being aware. Don't carry a ton of things, such as your cameras, and other things you might take on a vacation. Always use a money belt, tied to your pant's belt loop but worn under your clothing. If you take the metro and you have a backback, wear it on your front side and keep your hands on it at all times. Don't dress like a tourist (baseball caps, shorts, Hawaiian shirts, T-shirts). Be comfortable but remember that you should not wear clothing that makes you stick out more than the other visitors.

Don't carry a lot of cash in your pockets, carry most of your money in the money belt. Be vigilant of your surroundings, but don't act paranoid. We did not have any problem at all in Rome, even when we were walking late into the night.

Don't carry valuables in your day pack. Carry only what you need - jakcet, umbrella, and your guide book.

Answer 4

There very notorious, but its an exaggeration. While I was there I didn't get pickpocketed or any of the above mentioned, nor did I see anybody. I mean, I know it happens but it isn't likely you are going to get jumped just by walking down the street. Just use your common sense and you'll be fine. Oh, there are alot of beggars there though, so watch out for them because the majority of them are fake. Have fun! Its beautiful!

Answer 5

Well, it was one of the first days of our study abroad program, and we were all just getting to know each other. A group of us were on the metro laughing and talking. Jen was practically backed up against the wall because she was wearing a backpack and we had been warned about pickpockets. The girl next to her was pretty quiet, but she smiled whenever we laughed and seemed to be part of our group. She was not. Since we were just all getting to know each other, we assumed she was also part of the program. She stole Jen's wallet, and we didn't see her do it or realize until right after we got off and saw she wasn't part of our group at all! Sneaky.

Answer 6

Not bad at all. Look after your stuff and keep it close to you in touristy areas and cramped quearters, like the metro and other forms of public transportation. I didn't have a problem while I was there, and neither did any of the other people in my tour group. However, a few of us (myself included) were felt up at the Trevi Fountain, so watch out there--that is such a hotspot for tourists.

Answer 7

I think this problem is being exagerated. Just look after your things and nothing will happen.

I have been living in Rome for 9 years now and I often travel by public transport. I have never been pickpocketed. You just have to watch out for your bag, that's all.

Answer 8

I had no problem with pickpockets in Rome two years ago. Just in case I would keep your money safe, do not put anything in back pockets or in backpacks.

Answer 9

I traveled up and down Italy for a week in 1995, and luckily I didn't have any problems, though my tour group was warned about theifs, gypsies, and horny men. Just use your common sense. Keep your money and passport stashed in your inside coat pocket, or in a money belt inside your shirt. If possible don't go out after dark. And try to learn a few words of Itlalian.

Answer 10

In about 20 or 30 trips to Rome, weekend ones, I got pick-pocketed twice, both times while drunk. So stay sober and use your head....the place they are really bad at though is the buses and trains. They'll crowd the car so its real tight in there and that's when they strike.