 | Rome Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 164 |  |
 | |  |  | Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers: The Modern Armor | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
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 Website: http://www.rei.com/product/47780042.htm?
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| | | | Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers: Wear Your Money Belt! | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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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| | | | Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers: Pickpockets and con men | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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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| | | | Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers: Subway thieves..... | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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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| | | | Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers: Pickpockets! | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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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