pickpockets and thieves

Stop reading about it! I have never seen an "aggressive" pickpocket (since stealth is the whole point), except for swarms of child-thieves who are easily dispersed with a loud "Via!" and I haven't seen them in years. Use a money belt or neck wallet properly in big cities and you will be fine.

The same thing happened when I planned a return to Italy after not being there for many years, so I understand your anxiety. It's the inevitable downside of too much internet info.

Don't be overly worried about pickpockets and most certainly don't be "filled with dread and worry".

If you take reasonable precautions such as wearing a Money Belt (and not accessing this where others can see) and being aware of those around you, it's not likely you'll have any problems. As Zoe mentioned, pickpockets operate by stealth and prefer not to be noticed. You won't get a chance to tell pickpockets to "take a hike" as you won't notice them.

You may encounter scammers soliciting donations for helping you to buy railway tickets from a Kiosk, haul your luggage or a variety of other reasons. Some of that group can be persistent and annoying, although I wouldn't characterize them as being "aggressive". You can refuse their services, beginning with a polite "NO, Grazie!" If they continue to persist, you may have to use stronger language (I'll leave it to Roberto or others to suggest suitable phrases) or in extreme cases you may have to distance yourself from them.

I encountered a situation with scammers when travelling on the Metro in Milan last September. While attempting to buy tickets using a Kiosk, I was surrounded by a group of teenage gypsy/Roma girls who offered to "help" me buy tickets. Although I refused a number of times, they continued buzzing around me. I easily avoided the problem by walking to a nearby ticket booth which I could see from the Kiosks and buying a day pass - problem solved! I didn't have to worry about tickets for the rest of the day. Shortly thereafter, the police arrived to roust their little group and they got the "bum's rush".

If you read all the reports about car accidents in in your area in the recent years, you stop then drivng a car? Hopefully you drive then more carefully. In this case it is the same, be carefull and good prepared. All tips can be found here on this side. I wish you a nice trip.

In general, no need for "dread and worry" as there are a number of measures that can be taken. As noted, wear a money belt and you will significantly reduce the chances of having anything of value taken off of you. When approached by individual(s) trying to sell you, give you, help you, or in any other way engage with you, state somewhat loudly and forcefully (but not angrily) "no, thank you" in the language of the land and keep walking. This has been my approach for the handful of trips I have taken and has always been okay. I do not recall anything "aggressive" really, and walk about with an air of confidence, and things should be just fine. Have fun!

An aggressive pickpocket is called a mugger. Rome doesn't have muggers. They have pickpockets. If it happens you won't even realize it until it's too late.

To prevent being pick pocketed you should get either a money belt (worn under your clothes, not a fanny pack) or a cross body bag. If you use a cross body bag just pull it to the front of you and put your arm across it when in crowded places such as the metro or in crowded piazzas. The money belt is worn under your pants (there are a few different styles but the pants one is the most popular) so no one is going to get to your money, passport or credit cards unless they strip you down.

I've never had an issue with them because I'm aware that they exist and take precautions.

Donna

Chances are way more likely you wont have a problem than will. The money belt takes a lot of anxiety out of the equation. Being aware of potential problems makes you less likley to be a victim of petty theft so you are ahead of the average tourist. I worried alot before my first trip but once I got there I was much more relaxed. My wife was so concerned in Rome she wouldnt carry a purse and said it was the most liberating feeling ever. You should be excited to go!

The more you struggle with luggage, the more of a target you are. Travel with one carryon bag to size and weight of your International flight rules. Pack it to the weight you can manage at all times.

If you don't know how to use the ticket machines at the train stations, then go to the Customer Service area, get a number at the dispenser, and wait for an Agent. I always did this until one time at Roma Termini, a young man walked up to my right side and offered to show me how to use the ticket machine. He spoke perfect English, was dressed clean and neat, and flashed me the most disarming smile and eye twinkle. I never waited in line again. But I prefer using a machine near other machines rather than an isolated machine in other areas of the terminal. Some travelers don't say anything to the persistent Gypsy gals at the machines, but I say No to them.

Even after doing everything right -- money belt and neck wallet hidden on my person, no purse, just one carryon bag -- a Gypsy man stalked me on a Regionale train originating in Ancona. I did not even have my travel laptop on me nor my Euro tote bag. My First Class ticket saved me fom that situation, but now after I land I go to a farmacia or supermercato and buy a small spray can of something noxious and keep it in a pocket.

@ Ken I had the exact same experience at the Centrale Metro station. I let him take the 2 euro change coming back from purchase of two 2-day passes. If I get taken for 2 euros, I write off as the cost of education. I found out afterward that I could have had a much more pleasant purchasing experience if I had just walked in to the neighboring tabacchi which sells Metro Passes.

Thanks, everyone, I really appreciate your advice! I had planned on taking my laptop because it's much easier for me to use than a smart phone. Would this be a mistake? Some people have advised me not to take anything that I would worry about being stolen.

I do take my travel laptop with me as well as my iPhone. I have a very expensive top of the line Apple MacBook Air. Either I put the entire case in my RS Euro Tote Bag or I just place the case on my shoulder across my chest.

When you board trains or buses just do Not remove the bag or case from your shoulder. Do Not set it down on a seat while you hoist your carryon onto the overhead luggage rack. Never place the bag or case on a chair nor dangle it from your own chair in a Bar or ristorante. I keep the bag or case around my neck even on flights.

I have found Europe to be much safer in general than USA. But, living in South FL I am used to crime and am always aware of my surroundings. Just be careful, but don't worry and be overly paranoid. Follow the suggestions of others. Relax and enjoy your trip!

...I hadn't realized the extent of the prevalence of pickpockets and thieves and now I'm hearing how aggressive they are.....

You have to remember that people most often only discuss problems and bad situations. More interesting to talk about a problem than to talk about no problems. I don't how prevalent pickpockets/thieves are. Most posters don't either. But it is not 90%, or 50%. Could be only 10%. Who knows?

We have spent nearly a year traveling in some of the great pickpocket capitols of Europe since 72. Never had a problem, never lost a thing, and never saw a pickpocket. We do take normal precautions - dress conservatively, use a money belt - PROPERLY. Trying to be very aware of our surroundings and avoids things that might tags us as stupid tourist. Use a lot of common sense. If you would not do it in your home town, don't do it in Rome. Reverse is not true.

Steve, I take an ipad with me and I have no problems. The only reason I don't take a laptop is to avoid bulk. In general, I don't bring anything with me on any trip that it would crush me to lose, and for reasons not just including theft; lost luggage, a bad spill, dropping a bag and something cracks, leaving a jacket in a taxi, etc. So if replacing your laptop wouldn't be a huge burden to you if something happened to it- go for it.

Please note that the value of even a top range laptop or tablet is often trivial if compared with the value of data stored in it.

If you store important personal informations about you on an electronic device (for example, password of bank accounts, credit card numbers) be sure they are encrypted. If the laptop gets stolen, amen. Having your laptop stolen and your bank account emptied would be much more a problem.

If you have personal photos with memories of your life, be sure to backup the device before leaving. You can buy another tablet if yours gets stolen, if photos are not backed up you cannot shoot them again.

Actually, the same rules would apply for any device at home. Keeping secret data encrypted and hard disks backed up is good hygiene everywhere.

"I had planned on taking my laptop because it's much easier for me to use than a smart phone."

I assume you're concerned with having your Laptop stolen from your hotel room while you're out touring? I've been travelling with a Netbook for many years, and so far haven't had any problems. I normally keep it locked in my luggage when I'm out touring.

Are the 'some people' who are giving you all this advice seasoned travelers? Or just paranoid? I agree with the above post... it is really hard to read some of this. I often wonder where these fearful people have been traveling. If you would feel better using a money belt, then do it...but I have traveled to Europe with lots of people from all over the US on many trips and only the people here are such advocates of the money belt. By all means take your camera, ipad, laptop and whatever else you might want to enhance your trip. Just keep track of your stuff, same as you would anywhere! I hope after a day or two in Europe you will not be looking over your shoulder for thieves lurking everywhere. That kind of behavior could ruin your trip...try not to worry about it and have an amazing time!

apilot,
I pretty much agree with you. My husband and I have never worn money belts in our many trips. We just pay attention to our surroundings. Maybe because he is from NYC he is more aware, but we have never had an issue.

Money belts are useless. If you really want to be "pickpocket proof" you need to blend in with this

I've never had a problem in the past therefore I'll never havea problem in the future..... That's some solid logic right there! If I were to lose my wallet at home it would be an inconvenience, losing it in Europe would be a big deal.
I don't carry a wallet in Europe and keep some cash in my front pocket. I walk around like a tourist because I am a tourist. I know I don't blend in and don't delude myself thinking I do. I relax knowing my cash and credit cards are secure in my money belt and sometimes I need a large amount because I pay for my hotels in cash. Your milage may vary ..... but your logic won't.

Amen Richard!

While I'm a well seasoned traveler who has has never been robbed; knock on wood. But when I took my mother to her first trip to Europe about five years ago she was literally robbed within five minutes after arriving at the center city after our transatlantic flight. I accompanied my brother on his first to trip to Europe two weeks ago and he was pick pocketed on his second day. Although it was his first trip to Europe he is also a well seasoned traveler throughout Africa and Latin America. IMO being aware of you surroundings or blending in doesn't mean squat. The odds are with the bad guys. They're better at robbing you than you are at spotting them. Fortunately both had money belts and the losses were minimal. Getting ripped off isn't some rare occurrence like getting hit by lightning. People get robbed everyday. Using a money belt/one of its variants, or the hotel room safe is a sensible precaution.

I would like to know how someone who has never been to an area can "blend in" and not look like a tourist? It's not in the way you dress, it's in the way you act. You're going to act like a tourist simply by going to the touristy sites and restaurants. There's no way you can blend in unless you have traveled to the area many times and know the idiosyncrasies of the area.

Even in your front pocket a good pick pocket can still get your wallet. They really are that good. I've met people who have had wallets stolen out of the front lower leg pockets on their cargo pants. You wouldn't think it could happen but it can.

As for train and metro stations, again, how do you figure things out in advance if you've never been there? To me, this is ridiculous advise to give to a first time traveler.

Seasoned travelers know the ins and outs, for the most part, and are more savvy. I'm not in any way a "clueless tourist" and I use a money belt in some situations. There's no reason not to use one. Rome has pick pockets. People need to take more precautions other than just trying to not look like a tourist. That is not going to fool anyone or protect them from having their things stolen. It's better to give them solutions that will actually help than to give them a "dream" of blending in. It's more appropriate to advise people to wear a money belt, a cross body bag or a secure bag. They should also know to be aware in crowded situations, not hang their bags on the backs of their chairs, and zip their bags when they are not using them.

donna

Roberto... I bought one of those but had too much trouble accessing my money belt:))) And it was the wrong color...

If you don't like the idea of a money belt, then get a neck wallet... lots easier to access when you need to. And if you are really feeling threatened (overcrowded Metro) you can just keep your hand on it.

Michael... just to clarify... are we talking robbery? (with a weapon or physical force... ) or pickpocketing?

At least Italian's have skills and don't need to resort to muggings, Vespas purse snatchers aside. Here is what foreigners need to be on the alert for when visiting the States:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/11/14/16-american-cities-foreign-governments-warn-their-citizens-about/

16 American cities foreign governments warn their citizens about

Well, just as State warns Americans about dangerous places to travel, so too do foreign ministries in other countries — and some countries warn their citizens to avoid heading to certain cities in the U.S. France, in particular, warns travelers to be careful in a large number of specific cities.

Here’s what other countries, mostly France, say about American cities:

Boston: Avoid walking at night in Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury, and be wary of “petty crime” in Chinatown, the North End and Fenway.

New York: Be wary in Times Square and at the Statue of Liberty, and don’t go to Harlem, the Bronx or Central Park at night.

Washington: Northeast and Southeast should be avoided, and Union Station is dangerous at night. “Le quartier Anacostia n’est pas recommandable de jour comme de nuit.” Translation: Don’t go to Anacostia, day or night.

Baltimore: “Considered a dangerous city except downtown.”

Richmond: “Do not visit the city on foot.”

Pittsburgh: The French urge their citizens to avoid Mount Oliver, Hill District, Homewood-Brushton and Hazelwood.

Cleveland: Avoid Cleveland Heights, Lakewood and Euclid. That warning got Cleveland Heights Mayor Edward Kelly upset. “The French government is foolish and doesn’t know what they’re talking about,” he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Detroit: “The center is not recommended after the close of business.”

Chicago: Stay away from the West Side and anywhere south of 59th Street.

Houston: Be vigilant if traveling through Downtown, south and east Houston at night.

St. Louis: “Eviter le quartier nord entre l’aéroport et le centre-ville, mais la navette reliant l’aéroport est sûre.” Translation: Avoid northern area between the airport and the city center, but the airport shuttle is safe (Hat tip to our friend Chris Good, of ABC News, for spotting that nugget).

Atlanta: The French are nervous about the southern part of the city, and downtown after dark.

New Orleans: Northwest of Dauphine Street, northeast of Ursulines Avenue, north of St. Charles Avenue and south of Magazine Street are areas of concern.

Miami: “Canadians have been the victims of crime such as break-ins, assaults and pickpocketing in the Miami area, sometimes during daylight hours,” Canada’s foreign ministry warns. France says attacks on tourists in Florida are rare now, but were frequent a few years ago.

Los Angeles: France warns tourists to take care in Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Long Beach, and to avoid Watts, Inglewood and Florence.

El Paso: The British Foreign Office warns tourists about violence along the border with Mexico, and the border crossing at Ciudad Juarez specifically.

Germany doesn’t warn its citizens about any specific cities, but it does caution against letting it all hang out: “Although the laws in individual states categorizing nudity as ‘indecent exposure’, are rarely asserted and punished, those laws should absolutely be followed. Nude bathing and changing clothes at the beach stirs up public agitation and can lead to unpleasantnesses.”

I too, have done a lot of business travel throughout the US and some in the UK. And then I've done personal travel in both places and around Europe. I think that there is some difference between the two. First, when I'm on a business trip, I am usually at a "business" hotel. I'm not schlepping my luggage from B&B to B&B. I'm usually not using public transit (or if I am, it's with a briefcase or business backpack). And, I'm dressed for business. I have a much smaller target on my back than when I've got my backpack for walking with the my boots hanging off the back and my trekking poles sticking up. So, while I don't use a money belt that often, there are times when it just seems prudent to do so such as when I am carrying a lot of stuff and making lots of transfer on public transit. The thing to remember is that a money belt is not a wallet. It's deep storage where you put you passport, extra credit card and large amounts of cash. If you need to access it got to the WC and get out what you need.

I've had my pocket picked in Chicago and New York. I've been lucky not to have it picked in Europe. The two former experiences were bad enough. To have it happen across the ocean would be much worse.

When I was last in Amsterdam I was with some Dutch friends. They were the ones that the pickpockets targeted! I saw the hand go for the zipper and my friends wife slapped him away hollering beware pickpockets in Dutch and English. In my mind, you want to be aware of your surroundings and the things that you have with you. If you are in crowds near tourist sites or on transit near tourist sites, keep your belongings close. Don't carry too much.

Pam

@Roberto- How do you get through the airport metal detector?

apilot61: Welcome. You may not be aware that a lot of us regulars here also have decades of experience traveling and living in Europe. For business and pleasure. And there is no consistent advice here about moneybelts.

Your posts contain some good advice but also a few things that don't apply or are not easily achieved. The average tourist that comes here for advice is a novice, not a veteran. It is expected that they WILL get lost, they WILL need to pull out their map, they WILL need to figure out which train to take, they WILL be touting their camera and guidebooks and they WILL be dressed as a vacationer, not for business. This even applies to veteran travelers like myself. Pickpockets congregate where such tourists do: at popular sites, on transit and around cafes that cater to tourists.

Many tourists WILL be carrying large amounts of cash. Lots of hotels or apartments only accept cash or offer a discount. People also carry valuable credit and ATM cards and a passport. And maybe train tickets. And tourist site tickets bought in advance. Some of these can sometimes be left in the hotel safe, but not always. And losing these things while traveling international is a lot bigger hassle than if vacationing domestically. Having a secure way to carry these things is important to many people. Check out the many threads on this website to see the many different ways it can be done (I myself don't like or use the waist moneybelt). The cross body bag you mention is a popular method, especially for women.

You should know that a wallet or money-clip in a front pocket is pretty vulnerable to a pickpocket. And vulnerable doesn't equal inevitable. But good pickpockets can easily slip a wallet out of a front pocket with a distraction, and you'd never know it. Many of us have seen them in action (a few to themselves). They are actually quite talented, if misguided and criminal.

So to answer the OP's question: the best advice to avoid being a victim is to have a secure way to carry your valuables. Then it really doesn't matter if there are pickpockets around you or standing next to you on the bus. They can't get to your stuff so you don't even have to worry.

I agree with Douglas completely. I don't what it is about this subject that seems to bring out the most strident postings. It is almost a macho thing among the males. I don't wear a money belt because ......... And honestly I'm not sure who would actually use a money belt other than some clueless tourist. Is close to the dumbest remark I have seen posted in a long time. It is actually the clueless tourist that probably is not wearing it. Rick Steves, himself, promotes the money belt and he is very far from clueless. I have worn a money belt since BRS and am far from clueless other than our first trip in 72. Some have reported here about being pickpocketed. Only one report involved a money belt. (And he was clueless) And another report was about a money belt that fell off in the restroom - unnoticed. That is it. I have never saw or read about anyone losing anything when properly using a money belt. But have seen a number of postings from travelers who routinely lose stuff from front pockets, bags, and even a posting from a women who lost money and credit card from her bra. Anecdotal evidence is great for gathering personal experience. Difficult to draw conclusions from anecdotal evidence but over time it can point to patterns.

The whole discussion of blending in getting a little silly from time to time. There are lots of tourist in Europe not just American tourist. It is difficult to "blend in" but your don't have to blend in, just don't stand out. Our goals is not to stand out or draw extra attention to ourselves when in a crowd. When the pickpocket surveys the crowd looking for his next mark, I want him to think we we do not look very promising and move on to someone else. So far for us, it seems to have worked pretty. I often post that we have never had a problem with nearly a year of travel in Europe over the past 40 years or so. Doesn't mean that we cannot have a problem the next trip or that pickpockets don't exist. And it doesn't mean we have just been lucky. With reasonable precautions and a little attention to surrounding they will be fine.

We are always going to have discussions about pickpockets, thieves, money belts but we should be careful to suggest to new travelers that they are stepping off a plane into a den of thieves. And that they will be lucky to get to their hotels with anything left but their underwear.

When visiting our son in NY city I wear a money belt but then I am clueless.

PS I am using money belt in a generic way. Primarily referring to any type of under clothing security system.

The whole point of a money belt is that no one knows you're wearing it so I doubt that you would be able to determine who has one on and who doesn't.

Anyway, everyone is different and travels differently. Some people are more comfortable with a money belt and some are more comfortable with their money in their pocket. It's not up to any of us to decide what others should do.

I don't think that any tourist can blend in with the locals because being in a touristy area means you're more than likely a tourist. As soon as you pull out tickets, cameras, maps, hotel key or train tickets you are advertising that you're a tourist. People should dress comfortably and take the precautions they find right for them. If it's a money belt that's fine, if not, that's fine too.

Donna

carry your cash in your front pocket assuming you are wearing something reasonably snug fitting like jeans. I'd defy you to get mine out of my front right jeans pocket.--------
From this site ----
James, Chicago, USA, 7/25/2010
I have always carried my wallet in the front pocket of my jean. My jeans fit fairly tight so I was convinced that no one could take anything from that pocket without my knowing it. I was coming down the escalator just as the subway train was arriving. So everyone, self included, started running for the car and there was a big jam with a lot of pushing at the door. After the car started moving I realized by wallet was gone.

Jeffrey, CA 3/16/12
I met the infamous pickpockets of Naples yesterday on my way from Rome to Sorrento. Got jammed up boarding the train-couple of guys stopped short and others ran into us from behind. They wallet was in my front pants pocket, and I didn't feel a thing. ....
The front pocket is nowhere near as safe as I've always thought. Not only did I not feel anything, I had a partial packet of Kleenex in the pocket with the wallet. The Kleenex was still there!

IowaMom, 4/4/12
So it happened to DH - his wallet was swiped from a front pocket on his shorts while on the Rome Metro on Sunday afternoon (two days before we headed home). We were getting on at the Ottaviana stop and a couple of guys got on and stood blocking most of the doorway) - so we and many others, pushed past them to get on and then they got off before the metro pulled away from the station. A stop or two later, DH felt around for his wallet and couldn't find it. At first, he thought he left it at the last gelato stop and then thought maybe at the Metro station where he bought the metro tickets - and then realized the two guys took it

I have a bunch more. Notice the pattern. Still think your front pocket is safe?

I've got a "biker wallet" you know, one with a chain that attaches to my belt. Kinda tough to steal it without notice

Jim, I have one for you. That chains just tells them where it is.

John, Sacramento, CA 8/04/10
Money stolen out of wallet - It was on a chain hooked to my belt, but on the Paris metro, it must have looked like Christmas came early. Crowded, had to stand. Someone just slipped it out during all the bumping, extracted the money, and left it hanging, not noticed by the numb butt tourist until he felt it banging against his leg once he exited the Metro. Couple hundred dollars in it.

The point is -- Pickpocket are professional in their own way and generally they have a lot of practice. While a front pocket may be slightly better than a rear pocket, and a chain is better than nothing, a good pickpocket can still get it under the right circumstances. My theory has always been, "If it is easy for me to get to, then it will easy for someone else."

One of the techniques I use in "higher risk" pickpocket locations like very crowded Metro trains is to keep one hand in the pocket where my wallet is located. Either that or I position myself in a corner or against a wall so the wallet pocket isn't accessible.

We have heard stories of people being pickpocketed and we have heard stories of people traveling without ever having a problem. Neither example is a conclusive argument for or against the use of a money belt. Has anyone heard of someone using a money belt and having valuables stolen from it because I can't recall an example of that. That is probably the best arguement for their use that anyone here can make.
We can all travel in whatever way we choose and I doubt arguing here will change anyone's mind.

Has anyone heard of someone using a money belt and having valuables
stolen from it because I can't recall an example of that. That is
probably the best argument for their use that anyone here can make.

No one has ever reported, here, wearing a money belt under clothing and having valuables stolen from it.
Oh, one person left her money belt on the bed at the hotel and had things stolen from it.

The only report here of a lost from a money belt was from someone who was wearing the pouch just behind the belt buckle. More as a hidden billfold and not under any clothing. He was standing in a tight ticket line, pulled the pouch up, unzipped to get out cash. There was a distraction to his left, and the cash disappeared. Didn't see anything, didn't feel anything. Just gone. Of course, he violated the cardinal rule of money belts - never access in public. But a lot of people use a money belt in that manner. Far better than pockets but still a risk if accessing in public.

For Pete's sake, I cannot believe all this.

I was in Italy 3 times, once with husband, 2x by myself. Going again this Falll. I am 84. First time I was 70. I wear a money belt that holds money, pspt,, airline return tickets and CC. I took the CC out in the hotel before going to the ATM. Took out as much money as I would need that day. Went to the restroom to retlurn my card to my belt. My money belt was held secure under the belt of my slacks and under my tucked in shirt. I never took it out except in my room.

Had a big purse, to hold non-essentials and small purchases, but with nothing valuable in it except an unused wallet. Even that didn't get taken. A cousin who lives in Rome wears a hunter-type vest with pockets inside to hold his wallet. When we were with him he would always say "Watch your purse" I stayed away from the side of the sidewalk so the Vespa gang couldn't reach me.

I had a ball. Saw sights, took trains, busses, metros. Felt safe in crowds because my important stuff was well hidden. I walked the streets alone at night, Italy is magical at night, especially Venice. Never ate at a restaurant where the menu was in English, or there were non-italians there. found small out of the way little restaurants and had the best food.

You are on vacation. Think. Enjoy.

I don't want to feed what now appears to be a troll (changing one's posting name indicates troll to me), but this statement deserves a response to those that might want to make up their own minds on what is a safe way to carry money and valuables:

carry your cash in your front pocket assuming you are wearing something reasonably snug fitting like jeans. Of course if you are wearing baggy pants then adjust appropriately. I'd defy you to get mine out of my front right jeans pocket when I'm walking around,

First, many tourists don't wear snuggly fitting jeans. Shorts and loose pants are actually quite common (and I find more comfortable). Second, while I or anyone here would never be able to sneak a wallet or wad of cash out of a front pocket, a professional pickpocket most certainly can. Thanks for the examples Frank. Many, if not most, pickpockets and thieves in Europe work on distraction. They work in teams. One distracts your attention while the other lifts your wallet. Distractions often involve poking and prodding and jostling so your body is overwhelmed with sensations and won't notice an extra one where your wallet is. The distractions also serve as a counter to those that argue they will be extra cautious when in tight conditions (like riding transit). Such people will hold on to their bag or put their hand in their pocket... until they help out a nice young lady that just fell, or reach out to hold the handle on a rough ride, or to look at a petition a good looking college kid just asked you to sign.

Lastly, a veteran traveler or local knows a lot of these tricks and can more easily avoid them. But we offer advice to travelers new to Europe or new to a particular city. They are not prepared for such things and pickpockets will be almost unheard of in their hometown. So suggesting a moneybelt, or neck wallet, or cross body bag or belt-loop wallet, etc... is an easy, no-worry way to help them keep their valuables safe.

This list has some oddities for sure...

Cleveland: Avoid Cleveland Heights, Lakewood and Euclid. That warning got Cleveland Heights Mayor Edward Kelly upset. “The French government is foolish and doesn’t know what they’re talking about,” he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Chicago: Stay away from the West Side and anywhere south of 59th Street.

Lakewood, OH is a higher end suburb. It does have economic diversity, but it's nowhere near a place to avoid.

There are bad parts on Chicago's west side and south of 59th, and some fine and even good parts. And this misses some areas you most definitely don't want to be in at any time.

Perhaps this is the European version of "no-go zones"???

Bye-bye, 'apilot61’...?!?

gosteve63, it's not that bad; you'll see. Just keep your eyes open and watch each other's backs and keep a hand on your luggage at all times (except when properly stowed on trains, etc.).

Oh!!!! I was on a flight and missed the whole name change episode. What did the "new" apilot come back to say and what is the new name of the troll?

For everyone reading this, just know that there are many ways to make yourself less of a target to pick pockets. Some people like money belts, some use secure purses, some use regular purses but are more vigilant and others don't do anything special other than not carrying around a lot of valuables. The important things to know are that there are pick pockets, they are very good at their jobs and there is no single best way to thwart them. Choose a technique that is the most comfortable for you and enjoy your trip to Rome.

Donna