Petty Theft in Sicily

Hi louisaghart,

I can't speak from (driving around in Sicily experience), but, as you noted --- "avoid being a victim of petty theft by using common sense."

What part of Sicily? Naples? Palermo? Catania? Siracusa? Caltanissetta?

You can do your best to deter thievery. But, if someone is persistent, skillful and quick, they may attempt. Yes, putting luggage in your trunk before you get to your destination is a start. Sometimes, thieves have a look out to size up people.

Of course, don't take anything on holiday of great sentimental or valued cost. I don't know your travel style, but of course, don't flaunt wealth --- designer luggage, blaring jewels, designer clothes.

Take all your personal and vital belongings with you when out and about -- Passport, IDL, money, credit cards, medicines, prescription glasses or sunglasses.

"If" your car is broken into or jacked, at least you have your identifying info and money. Clothes and inexpensive souvenirs, for the most part, can be replaced. Of course, you would not leave a purchased jewelry item in the car. Carry it in your bag.

Rental cars in Italy (or Europe in general) may have different tag numbers or have stickers on them compared to those owned outright. And thieves will know that. It's a little hard to not look like a tourist in most cases. If you use paper maps or have local brochures of any kind, put them in glove compartment.

I have heard all the warnings and believe them. I personally had no issues in Sicily, and common sense precautions will help but nothing is 100%.

Personally I was comfortable leaving my luggage in the trunk of a locked car in decent-seeming parking lots during the day. Nothing visible, no opening the trunk in the lot (a lurking thief could see what’s in there and target your car once you leave). Ideally you would put bags in the trunk at the hotel and not open the trunk until unpacking at the next hotel. Take anything essential with you in the main part of the car and carry it with you when leaving the car - passports, money, medicine that you need to survive, etc.

When possible do day trips and leave your belongings, but sometimes that’s just not realistic. Take precautions, it is statistically unlikely that you will have a problem - but it does happen.

We had no problems in Sicily last fall. There were a few occasions when we had to park the vehicle and leave the luggage in it (Villa Romana Casale, Selinunte, Caccamo Castle, and the salt farms at Marsala and Trapani). All were in remote locations, or in places that were fairly busy with people coming or going. You can’t hide the fact you’re a tourist, unless you’re Sicilian. As you said, use common sense. Don’t open the trunk in the parking lot or locations so people can see what’s in it, or, don’t wait until you’re parked to move things from inside the car to the trunk. Leave nothing in plain sight; not even a small denomination coin. Hide the GPS and cord prior to parking.

Sicilian mobsters use the car trunks only to store corpses of people they have just killed and that they plan to bury later somewhere in the woods. Sicilians are totally unfamiliar with using the trunk for luggage, therefore I think it is generally safe.

But for added safety park in guarded parking lot and make sure luggage is not visible from outside. Valuable items should not be left in the car.

Roberto, LOL!

Good one, Roberto :-)

Valuables - passport, money, plastic - use a money belt. Camera, phone will be with you all the time anyway. Other valuables, leave them at home.

Sicily is no different that anywhere else. Leaving things visible in a parked car is an invitation. Don't extend it!

My trip was 2 weeks in April-May 5 years ago. I hope your experience will be as good - lots of warm, sunny weather, and more wildflowers than I'd ever seen. BTW I parked the car with luggage at several places that I visited while en route from hotel to hotel without qualms and without incident.