Keeping safe in Sicily

Probably not

You should carry your passport secure in your person as it is your only official ID

I never take any special precautions like having a special handbag. Just take the normal precautions, especially in the two large cities.

Take the same precautions you would in any other urban area and be aware of where you leave your bag (including not hanging on the back of your chair). I didn't find it to be any bigger deal than other European cities or areas. You may want to carry a small amount of cash, particularly for small purchases and street vendors.

I spent 17 or 18 days in Sicily in 2015; it didn't feel any riskier to me than a lot of other places in Europe. I use an ordinary cross-body bag on all my foreign trips. I was pickpocketed once (in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, of all places) as I was switching between regular glasses and sunglasses and had the bag unzipped while walking down the street. That was careless of me; I now keep the extra glasses in an open pocket on the outside of the bag.

I do tend to bury my wallet--which contains one credit card and not much cash--at the bottom of the purse, so it would be a bit difficult to access if someone manages to unzip the bag. If I have a back-up card with me, or extra cash for some reason, it is in an interior zippered pocket, along with my passport.

The "anti-theft" bags tend to be quite a bit heavier, which is a major negative factor for me, and I'm not interested in having to fiddle with anti-theft closures. I want as light a bag as possible with compartments useful to me, including an outer pouch for my glasses.

Situational awareness is the key. Beware of your surroundings and listen to your gut instincts. I’m especially vigilant around large crowds.

I never felt threatened or in danger on my Sicily trip.

Sicily where? The only place that there is a risk of pick pockets is maybe Palermo, but only if you take public transit, like buses, during peak time when buses are packed.

Statistically you are safer in Sicily than in many other parts of Italy.
In 2025 Palermo was 31st for the risk of pick pocketing in Italy (out of 106 provincial capitals).
13th with regards to purse snatching.
(The Italian government differentiate the two crimes)

Florence is number one (gold medal winner) for both pick pocketing and purse snatching, in 2025.
Rome and Milan had to settle for silver and bronze medal.
When it comes to risk of being a victim of petty crime, there is nothing like Florence.

Sicily where? Palermo and Catania, obviously you need more situational awareness than the smaller towns but that applies everywhere in the world. Why should Sicily be any different? I’ve never had any issues in all my decades of travel to Italy. Period. Be aware. You don’t carry your passport on your person? You should be doing at all times because it is the law in Italy, and most European countries. I’ve never purchased or used a special bag for my things. A small daypack, being aware and not drawing attention to yourself

Get an under clothing moneybelt to carry your passport in at all times.
I wear the “pouch” of mine in the mall of my back, and hardly know it’s there.
It also holds a spare credit card from a different bank than my regular one.
I felt quite safe in Sicily…the people are delightful.