On our first trip to Italy in 1980 I vividly remember someone patting me down looking for a wallet as we climbed the steps of the Leaning Tower. Fortunately, the wallet wasn't in my back pocket. Wear a money belt and do not leave valuables anywhere. The pickpockets in Italy are maestros.
in large cities, especially on crowded buses and subways, they work in teams of three: 1. the stall-they stop in front of you, 2. the bump-they bump into you to distract you, and 3. the dip-this is the person who does the pickpocketing. They are quick, slick, and organized. They come in all ages, genders, and ethnicities.
Generally, stay alert and take precautions.
Buon viaggio,