PICKPOCKETS IN ITALY

This is not to say that authorities aren’t actively working to combat pickpocketing—uniformed guards, plain-clothes policemen, and even self-appointed vigilante groups patrol the stations. 

But arrested pickpockets are often released shortly after being apprehended, only to return to their illicit activities.

Astonishingly, many pickpockets in Italy openly refer to their thieving as a "job," as they have shouted at TV reporters who were following them. 

Some commuters, in an attempt to fight back, have begun filming pickpockets in the act and shouting warnings like "Attenzione! Borseggiatrici!" ("Be Careful! Pickpockets!"). You can see an example of this in Venice here.

The pickpockets that reporters have tracked are often groups of young women, some even pregnant or apparently so. Until recently, pregnant women or women with young children could not be arrested, though this law was changed in September 2024.

These pickpockets often try to conceal their identities by wearing hats or scarves, making it harder for their victims to recognise them.

Some might carry a coat or jacket draped over their arm, even in summer, using it to hide their hand as they reach into a victim’s bag, often with the help of an accomplice who distracts the target or a group who surround the victim. You can watch a video of this tactic here.

This method isn't limited to the streets or trains.

I've seen footage of a pickpocket operating in a restaurant, where an unwary diner left her open bag on an empty chair. A woman at a nearby table discreetly placed her hand into the bag, hiding it under a jacket, and lifted the victim’s wallet.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it’s crucial to understand where pickpockets in Italy typically operate, their common behaviours, and how to protect yourself from becoming a target.

Where Do Pickpockets in Italy Operate?

Pickpockets thrive mostly in crowded areas where tourists are often distracted by their surroundings. Major cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan are hotspots. Specific locations include:

1. Public Transportation: Buses, trams, and the metro are prime locations, especially during peak hours. Pickpockets exploit the close quarters and jostling that occur in these environments.

2. Tourist Attractions: Sites like the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Duomo of Milan attract large crowds, making it easy for pickpockets to operate unnoticed.

3. Markets and Shopping Areas: Bustling markets, such as the Mercato Centrale in Florence or Campo de' Fiori in Rome, are also common targets.

4. Train Stations: Major stations like Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, and Firenze Santa Maria Novella see high foot traffic, providing ample opportunities for theft. In fact, all ticket machines in train stations issue warnings to users to beware of pickpockets as soon as you start using them.

Who Are the Pickpockets?

Most pickpockets in Italy are not Italian, but of different ethnicities and nationalities. They come from various backgrounds and can be difficult to identify based on appearance alone. However, there are some general patterns:

- Gender: Both men and women engage in pickpocketing, often working in teams of three up to 10 or 15. Women and teenage girls are frequently involved, as they tend to arouse less suspicion.

- Age: Many pickpockets are quite young, including teenagers, and they may work under the guidance of older, more experienced thieves. Sometimes, even children are involved in a family group. Watch this video to see how they operate.

How Pickpockets Operate

Pickpockets in Italy use a range of tactics to distract and steal from unsuspecting tourists. Some common methods include:

1. Distraction: One thief may engage you in conversation, ask for directions, or even jostle you or create a disturbance while another steals your belongings. 

2. Crowding: In busy areas, pickpockets take advantage of the hustle and bustle to get close enough to lift wallets, phones, or other valuables from bags and pockets.

3. Deception: Some pickpockets pose as fellow tourists or use the guise of helping you with something, such as taking a photo, helping you with a ticket machine or wiping off a stain, to create an opportunity to steal.

4. Snatch and Grab: In some cases, pickpockets simply snatch bags, phones, or wallets and run, often blending into the crowd before you realize what’s happened.

Tips to Avoid Getting Pickpocketed

1. Stay Alert:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. 
• Avoid distractions, such as using your phone while walking.
• Don’t let anyone distract you at ticket machines or ATMs.

2. Secure Your Belongings:

• Use a money belt or a neck pouch under your clothing to keep valuables like passports, credit cards, and large amounts of cash safe. 
• Consider using a bag with anti-theft features like slash-proof straps and lockable or hidden zippers.
• Don’t leave valuables or mobile phones in your trousers or jacket pockets.

3. Divide Your Valuables:

• Don’t keep all your money and important documents in one place. Spread them out across different pockets and bags.

4. Close Your Bag:

• Always keep your bag zipped or buttoned and hold it in front of you, especially in crowded areas. 
• If using a backpack, consider wearing it on your front.
• Don’t leave your bag on the empty seat next to you in crowded environments. Keep your bag on your lap with your hands on it.
• If you MUST put your bag or other belongings on the seat next to you, loop your arm through the handles so they can’t be snatched.

5. Avoid Flashing Valuables:

• Don’t openly display expensive items like jewellery, cameras, or large amounts of cash. This can make you a target. 
• Don’t walk around with expensive branded luggage or purses (Gucci, etc.).

6. Be Wary of Strangers:

• Be cautious if someone approaches you with unsolicited offers of help or attempts to engage you in conversation, especially if they invade your personal space.
• Be wary of anyone trying to jostle you away from your group or trying to get you surrounded by their group.

7. Shout Out:

• If you catch a pickpocket in the act, whether they are targeting you or someone else, especially in a crowded place like the metro, shouting 'PICKPOCKET!' and drawing attention is an effective way of stopping them. Pickpockets rely on anonymity and don't want to be identified. Calling them out loudly can disrupt their plans and deter them. They might respond with insults or try to downplay the situation, but they will likely disappear as soon as they have the chance.

IMPORTANT!

IT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA TO PHYSICALLY CONFRONT OR CHASE AFTER PICKPOCKETS YOURSELF.

Many of them work in groups and can be very aggressive. Some pickpockets in Italy are also using pepper spray if challenged, in order to secure their getaway.

What to Do If You Get Pickpocketed

1. Stay Calm: Panicking can make it harder to take the necessary steps.

2. Report the Theft: Go to the nearest police station to report the theft and get a police report, which you will need for insurance claims.

3. Cancel Credit Cards: Immediately contact your bank to cancel any stolen credit or debit cards.

4. Contact Your Embassy: If your passport is stolen, contact your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance.

Having said all this ...

While pickpocketing is an unfortunate reality in popular tourist destinations, it shouldn't overshadow your experience or ruin your holiday. 

By staying cautious and taking simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim. With a little vigilance, you can focus on enjoying everything Italy has to offer and make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.

Do you want to know my personal anti-theft strategies? Click here.

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