We are considering renting an apartment on Piazza Marconi for a few nights in Vernazza, and were wondering if we should be concerned about leaving valuables (SLR camera, etc.) unattended. My guess is that because of its small size, it won't be a problem, but I thought I'd see what you think. Thanks!
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
In our experience, crime in many cities is more likely to be a crime of opportunity, somebody walking around with a backpack unzipped or leaving something of value out in the open where it can easily and quickly be grabbed by someone walking by. When we leave anything of value in a hotel room/B&B/apartment, we generally hide it and keep it from being obvious if there isn't a safe to store it in. It's not so much people working at wherever we are staying that we are worried about, but those walking by when a door may be open and that see an opportunity. When we were at the train station in Vernazza, there were signs out to watch for pickpockets and the ticket person also warned us that the pickpockets were very active that day. We didn't have any problems.
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
In addition to the good points Nadine made, I will mention that we were talking to a lady on the train from Monterossa to Vernazza (where we stayed) and she was telling us that one of the elderly men in her group had his wallet stolen by a pickpocket as they were waiting on the train. They were with a tour group. Too bad he did not have a money belt or some other hidden means for his valuables. I would not leave my DSLR unattended since it is one of the things I would hate to lose but if you do you should consider taking out your media card so your photos at least will be saved in the unlikely event someone were to break into your room.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
I would think twice about leaving my camera in a hotel room. My Dad got his camera stolen out of a hotel room in London and ever since, I have thought twice about leaving valuables of any kind in the room. If you do choose to leave your camera or other valuables in the room, I would hide and conceal them well. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Brian,
So far I haven't experienced any problems in any of the five C.T. villages. However, on my last trip there I was speaking with a group of U.S. tourists who had been victimized on the trains. In addition to money and credit cards, one of the girls lost her Passport (which I suspect was a major headache for them to replace).
In speaking with some of the "locals", they indicated that gangs of professional thieves from Genoa and other centres routinely "work" the trains in that area, as many tourists "let their guard down".
I'd suggest continuing to wear a Money Belt and be vigilant, especially on the trains.
Happy travels!