topic Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination. in Community Chat

Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

polowife — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 02:04:35 GMT

While doing research on visiting Italy I noticed many comments regarding pickpocket crime. While the usual precautions can be taken, cross body bag, money belts etc. any good advice out there would be helpful. It is a little intimidating to know of this, but it shouldn't hinder travel.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

polowife — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 03:06:40 GMT

anyone?

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

Marienkaefer2 — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 06:51:45 GMT

My advice is to carry your valuables in a slim cross body purse that you keep in front of you at all times.

Do not let yourself stand out as a tourist. Don't overdress, but don't under dress either. Don't wear lots of jewelry. Keep alert and act as if you know where you are going.

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a secure place...hotel safe?

Above all, just always be aware of your surroundings and who's around you. If you look strong and confident, you will be less of a target.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

Vivian — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 12:12:45 GMT

I would add that when you are in particularly crowded tourist areas, be aware of unusual distractions. For example, when I was in front of a large Parisian department store, I noticed many young women walking around with clip boards, asking customers if they would stop to answer a few questions. There were just too many of these very young girls swarmimg around and I became very suspicious that they were up to no good. They were not French. My guess was that when someone stopped to chat, a cohort would do the pickpocketing. Just be aware, and if your gut reaction is to be somewhat wary, avoid being taken in and walk away.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

lolakimono — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 13:39:24 GMT

If I have something with a zipper, I put a safety pin through it so it would take longer for them to get in (and hopefully I would notice).

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

Financialgrl — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 14:23:03 GMT

I went on a Med cruise about 7 years ago and people on cruisecritic.com were discussing this. A crossbody bag will be best and if you are really worried you can buy a SafePac purse. The strap is covered cable so it cannot be cut off your shoulder. It's lined with netting so if someone were to cut the bottom, stuff won't fall out, it'll snag in the netting. The zippers are kind of hard to get into and one of the straps has an anchor clip so that when you are out at a restaurant you can unclip it, pull it thru the rung of a chair and reconnect. The anchor clip is such that it's harder to get into - but SafePac purses are not that fashionable. They also discussed "bra stashes". I'm not even sure if they make these anymore but they are very thin material with two straps with double snaps and you can snap them to your bra straps. This is about the size of a credit card and the stash hangs down the inside of your shirt.

Be especially vigilant around tourist areas, using any public transportation such as subways, etc. I took two credit cards from different banks - keep one in the hotel safe, do so in case one gets stolen cuz while you are working with your bank to report it stolen, you will have the other to charge things. I was on a ship so when we went out I only took out small amounts of euros, along with my credit card. Everything else was left in the safe. The only place where I heard of pickpockets thriving when we were in Europe was not in Italy but at the Acropolis. At that site, you have to climb steps and people were crushed together. Any situation where people are crushed together, be vigilant.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

ivey — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:38:55 GMT

You can get zip pockets kind of like the bra stashes and wear it around your neck and inside your shirt. I carry my passport and major credit card there. Just keep out enough money or a low balance credit card in your cross body bag for shopping and eating. I would also suggest converting or getting just enough money for a day or two. You can always go inside a bank in most of Europe.

I know people love to take pictures, but you may want to NOT take your most valuable camera. It's a draw to thieves.

My friends (one at a time) got purses snatched in the Sistine Chapel; and one friend got her fanny pack unzipped without her noticing on the subway in Paris.

Travelsmith dot com has several neck wallets and under clothing items that would work. You can probably get them somewhere else or here if you know how to describe them.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

lulu2 — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 22:40:56 GMT

I've been to Italy at least a dozen times. I carry the same type purse I'd carry at home. I never let it out of my sight and always keep it close to my body. I've never done a fanny pack, belt or bra pouch or any of the items designed for travel. Nothing screams tourist more than a woman digging in her bra to pay for her gelato.

Do make a copy of your passport. In December I had to have mine replaced in Switzerland (long story) and the fact I had a copy made it extremely easy.

Have a wonderful trip.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

Kellean — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:12:21 GMT

I always wear a cross body bag when touring a new city. It's hands free, I carry very little cash, and it's just easier!

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

Still Raining — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:05:04 GMT

Don't place your faith in the in-room safes for your backup plan. Once in China I messed up my combination somehow and called the front desk. They sent up a very nice man who very properly propped open my room door while he was helping. But he couldn't figure it out either and with a lot of laughter the two maids working the floor came in and opened it for us. All I could manage was a thank you.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

magicmoodz — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:41:34 GMT

A colleague was victim to pick pocketing in Barcelona. I was astonished since she is the kind of person who would more likely hide her valuables in a body cavity! She believes it occurred getting on public transport when someone "bumped into her".

I'm not quite as careful and only by the grace of God, have I been fortunate. I once left my tote bag in a cab in Mexico with all our cash ($1,500) in it. I hadn't even realized it was missing until the cab driver came back and returned it to me.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

NanaS — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 00:27:30 GMT

WHEN YOU ARE WALKING DOWN A STREET MAKE SURE YOUR PURSE/BAG IS ON YOUR INSIDE ARM AND NOT ON THE STREETSIDE.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

Peaches McPhee — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 02:25:58 GMT

Be aware of your surroundings, at all times.

Several years ago 2 friends and I were in Italy. We were walking around a piazza (is that how you spell that?) gawking and taking pictures. My one friend was several feet away, and I saw a young boy start to approach her. Just as he got close enough to snag her purse, she turned, and looked him straight in the eye, and he verged away. It happened so fast!

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

151949 — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:15:42 GMT

I can not recommend enough that you get a money belt to wear under your clothes. Only keep in your purse things you can afford to lose - and certainly only carry an inexpensive purse. Pickpockets are everywhere in Europe, and if you look like you have money you are their target. Leave expensive clothing, jewelry and handbags at home.They mark you as a target. Even when people leave their real jewelry at home and substitute CZ they stand out. I would only wear my wedding band if I was going to europe.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

Bibione — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:40:36 GMT

I just came back from Italy last week.I go back every summer to visit my parents.Western Europe has been invaded by millions of illegal immigrants.Wear only fashion jewelry.My cousin's residence was robbed one evening a few months ago and they stole even small things like razor blades.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

muttmom — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 19:57:49 GMT

We go to Europe every year.

It is not flashy jewelry that makes you a target for pickpockets. It's white sneakers, shorts, logo t-shirts, fanny packs and the constant picture taking that labels you tourist. Italian women wear beautiful gold jewelry. Thieves do not target them. I saw a small group having a picture taken. Some of the women set their bags on the ground. A young man ran by and snatched a bag.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

silver Goldie — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 12:32:48 GMT

Rick Steves covered this topic in one of his travel shows. His advice is to wear a money belt beneath your shirt which has your passport, credit cards and travelers checks inside. He buys an inexpensive wallet and puts in a few dollars in it with a friendly note to the thief in his pants pockets.

I know women are targets because we lug around purses. If I went to Europe I would follow his advice. You can purchase a money belt from his website.

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

expatgal — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 15:30:46 GMT

After many years living in Europe, I was always amazed at how American women all over Europe were clueless about their purses. I saw them with huge purses hung wide open over their elbow while shopping for trinkets. They would put their shoulder bags over the back of cafe/restaurant chairs. They would carry the drawstring purses that even a baby could get into. If you can hit the streets without a purse, DO IT! Wear a wallet on a string around your neck underneath clothes, hidden in a belt around your waist ... anything. Don't put out the Wealthy American vibe either. Most Americans make themselves a target without even realizing it. Also, always act like you know exactly where you are going. Never stop, fiddle with maps/smart phones, or look around dazed or lost. If you are unsure, go to a private place, pull out the maps, and get out of the mainstream of people. Just don't make yourself a target!

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

polowife — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:41:29 GMT

All great ideas ~ Thank You!

Re: Advice on pickpockets in Italy or any other travel destination.

Barbarainnc — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 15:47:26 GMT

When we went to Italy in 1983 and 1985, we had trouble with the gypsy children. They approached you with cardboard over their arms, trying to distract you, while someone else tried to pickpocket you. They were all around the Colosseum in Rome.

We went to the Cameo Factory and there was a lady begging for $$ at the stop sign. The tour guide said not to give her anything because she had tons of money. She was there in 83 and there when we went back in 85.

We were on the bus and watched a guy pickpocket another guy and walk off. We were shouting and hollering, but didn't know Italian to tell him.

Our Tour guide even got pickpocketed on the ferry and lost some of our Travelers Checks. Someone must have turned in the TC's to American Express, because I got a refund for $20.00 a few months after the trip.

Bob on our tour had his calculator taken out of his shirt pocket. Bob always took old clothes and left them as he traveled. At the end of the trip, he only had stuff from the different countries in his suitcase.