Pisa pickpockets

Jill: Thank you for sharing this. Your story is exactly why a money belt or similar device, worn under your clothing, is so highly recommended by experienced travelers. With the money belt, you can simply put concern over pick pockets out of your mind and enjoy your trip, since it's a guarantee that you won't lose your credit cards, deep stash of money, or passport. Unless they can get your underwear off, they can't get to your money belt. No one here has ever reported losing anything from a properly worn money belt. If you don't, disaster can happen to you. We've had many stories of people who thought it couldn't happen to them....

Yes, my husband had resisted the idea of the money belt prior to our trip, but he was certainly thankful I had convinced him after all that!

On the subject of money belts, I think it's a good idea to put your valuables into a ziplock bag, then put that into your money belt. This way, if you sweat in the Italian heat, your stuff stays dry and you won't have the embarrassment of paying with wet money.

Also, from what I hear, the ones worn around your neck, but under your clothes, can work as well as the ones you wear around your waist, and are easier to get to. Of course, if they're easier for YOU to get to, they may be easier for others to get to also, but I hear they're quite effective.

Ouch. This proves that the more you look like a tourist (inevitable in this case with the bagcheck on strike), the more likely you will be a target for the pickpockets. Good for you for being aware of the situation as it was happening.

This is yet another strike against Pisa in my book. (We didn't care for it at all when we went there.) It's got some of the Naples vibe to it, if you ask me.

Right, many money belts come with a small ziplock, if they don't, definitely supply your own--anytime of the year but especially in the summer.

QUOTE:
The girl unzipped my camera bag, and a man on the bus slapped her.

I particularly liked this part! Good for that man!

I don't think the luggage check was ON STRIKE. I think they were IN CAHOOTS with the pickpockets. Maybe rent was due so they put up the "On Strike" sign and went to make a few extra bucks.

We had two attempts on the bus to the leaning tower.. My husband saw her get in his empty front pants pocket on one side and then she moved to the other side. He made a scene when she tried that pocket. The bus driver came to the back of the bus and made sure the girl gang was all off the bus. We met her again on the return bus, and watched as she and 8 friends tried and failed to work that bus.

It's a shame the bag check wasn't working but reinforces the pack light concept. I reduce my load to one carry-on bag only. I like the convertible carry-on but a roll on works if it's your only bag. It's much easier to keep track of one item.

The biggest targets for thieves are people who are trying to keep track of multiple bags. Their first step is distraction (stopping in front of you, running into you, sticking something in your face). If you are juggling a suitcase, daypack, camera bag and shopping bags, they are half way there before they even start.

You saw their unsuccessful attempts. I expect they have enough successful attempts, that no one sees, to keep them in business.

So far I haven't had any trouble with pickpockets, but I'm always alert for them. One of these trips I'd like to try a PacSafe Waist Pack or Daypack and watch the fun as they try to access it. I"m sure they would be quite annoyed!

Cheers!

....We had two suitcases and my camera bag, so no free hands and they were on us......

That is the principle reason we avoid the rolling luggage in Europe. I want my hands free and the ability to quick move, change directions, or turn around without someone tripping over the bag I am pulling.

Jill,

It brought back memories when I read your posting. We also had pickpockets try to unload us of our possessions while boarding a train in PISA. Fortunately, I heard my backpack unzip and immediately turned sideways so that my back was against the train. We didn't lose a thing but thereafter we used small little combination locks on the zippers of our backpacks. It was a bit more of a bother but seemed to discourage any further unwanted activity.

We also ran into a gentleman in Rome who was wearing a leather money wallet under his shirt. While on the subway, thieves cut through his shirt and wallet and relieved him of all his money and credit cards. You have to be very alert. We really liked Italy but found the feeling of having a target on your forehead and the constant vigilance exhausting.

I keep waiting to see firsthand any evidence of pickpocketing in Italy. I don't doubt that it happens (see above), but I've never seen it in the total seven weeks I've spent in all parts of Italy.