Sicily

We have traveled throughout beautiful Sicily, enjoying major cities and small towns. We witnessed no evidence of crime. Locals are friendly and welcoming. I wonder if those who speak of Sicilian crime have ever been there. Are they simply promoting stereotypes? I would not hesitate to return to Sicily. A great way to see Sicily is on a Rick Steves tour. We loved it!

Bill, I spent two weeks in Sicily in 2014, loved it, and had no personal experience with crime at all. Sicily has various very diverse areas, sites and experiences, and I certainly encourage you to visit and give it as much time as you can, not just a few days. People were very welcoming and friendly. That said, to be balanced, I did come to know a couple there, Canadian as I remember, that two hours after their arrival in Palermo were walking down the street, and had a motor bike with two men on it, drive right beside them, and grab a bag off the shoulder of the wife. She was pulled down, dragged a bit, but then got up, OK but without her bag, which had phone, camera, book, etc inside. So certainly crime does exist there, as it does just about everywhere.

I have been to Sicilia many times, only once did I see the result of a pickpocket crime, a man's wallet was taken as he and his wife boarded a crowded bus going to Monreale, I saw the wallet on the bus floor. Apparently a group of three men crowded the couple as they stepped onto the bus, one grabbed the wallet, handed it to another, then dropped the empty wallet on the floor and got off the bus before it left the stop. This seems to be the method all over Europe. Points of entry on public transportation require a little more vigilance.

I spent about two weeks in Sicily last summer and observed no crime. Not saying there is none, of course, just that I didn't feel at all uncomfortable there and would love to return. Palermo is a large, crowded city, and I imagine that wallets do get lifted with some frequency. Books suggest being especially careful at street markets and on public transportation.

The reputation is linked to the mafia. As a visitor, you won't be aware of any organized crime activities. As others have said, the only thing that need concern you is the same type of petty theft that happens everywhere, though probably not nearly as much in Sicily as in mainland Europe. Go and enjoy - you'll love it.

The mafia hasn't been known to shake down tourists, but that's not to say that its tactics don't affect locals which has a lingering negative effect (it's a real sore topic among the population). Yet, I don't expect you'll even notice this while you're on the ground. Just watch for pickpockets in big cities like anywhere else. I had a great time in Sicily last year and never felt unsafe.

Here's a link to an article about the mafia in Sicily back from 2010:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/in-sicily-defying-the-mafia-60655476/?no-ist
A more recent article...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/sicilian-mafia-boss-infuriates-local-mayor-by-throwing-lavish-godfather-style-100th-birthday-party-a6807321.html

I returned from a ten day trip to Sicily three weeks ago and didn't experience any crime. I would assume the crime situation is similar to other parts of Italy. As long as your smart with your belongings and aware, you shouldn't have any issues.

We have been to Sicily numerous times and never had a problem. My husband left his dark glasses on a tennis court once and they were still in the same place the next day. If you carry a bag, which isn't too wise a thing to do in Europe, carry it away from the street side. Don't carry a wallet anywhere in a pocket that can be picked. I envy you being able to visit this beautiful island. Stay a long time and enjoy the experience. The Sicilians are particularly friendly and wonderful people.

Just got back from an 11 tour of Sicily with Rick Steves. Saw no evidence of crime. iOS course there could be a pick pocket, but no one in our group of 24 had any problems. I never felt uncomfortable at any time during our visits to several towns. Just use a little common sense when using credit cards or getting case from the ATMs

It appears that Palermo has the lowest crime rate among all major Italian cities:
http://palermo.gds.it/2015/09/03/omicidi-palermo-e-la-citta-con-il-tasso-di-criminalita-piu-basso_404522/

The murder rate, in particular, is 1.5 murders per 100,000 residents.
The murder rate in Louisville KY is 8 murders per 100,000 residents.
So violent crime is much worse where you are right now.

House Burglaries seem lower in Palermo too:
Palermo=258 per 100,000 residents
Louisville= 947 per 100,000 residents
http://www.areavibes.com/louisville-ky/crime/

I think you should leave KY for Sicily as soon as you can (make sure you lock your house well).

Have spent a month in Sicily and the Aeolians. Re Roberto's post: Bravo!

I just spent two weeks in Eastern Sicily and my impression is that the crime rise to travelers is low. Of course, it is wise to follow the precautions mentioned in previous posts when traveling in any tourist area. I have been surprised how touristy Eastern Sicily has become. If you want to get away from the cruise ship and packaged tour crowds, you need to go inland away from the famous sites. Having said that, the famous hill towns are beautiful, and the charm of Ortigia and Taoromina still works.

I had an experience with a updated version of crime. I made a non-refundable reservation with a hotel in Palermo. The next day, I received an email purporting to be the hotel requesting more information about my credit card. They had all the information previously entered on the hotel's website. I contacted the hotel and they confirmed it was phishing from someone not connected with the hotel.

My go to reference for travel info in Sicily is:

Best of Sicily

There are hundreds of links on this website for anything you want to know about Sicily.

In 2013 we spent a month in Sicily. We rented a car and drove around most of the island, dropping the car at the airport and visiting Palermo with out the car. We encountered no crime but did have a great time, saw some unforgettable sights, ate the most delicious food, and met some of the most helpful, nicest people in the world. We travel quite a bit and try to be conscious of who is walking near us. I have a cross body travel purse and keep my hand on it most times. In all countries cities have some level of crime. We all just have to be aware of our surroundings and pretty much hope for the best, even at home as was pointed out earlier.

I spent a month in Palermo in 2014 and loved it. We stayed in the Kalsa district of the city, which is non-touristy and can have a bit of a "gritty" vibe in some parts, but not once did I feel threatened, uncomfortable or unsafe. Of course, a lot can be said for using common sense, but in general, I felt fine going out alone (during the day). I felt it was sort of a "boys' town" area, as in by our apartment, all we saw were older men sitting around, talking, cooking snails and fish, etc... and at first we got some strange glances. But after a few days, I actually felt like they were looking out for us. One day my sister went out without me, and was asked "where is your friend?" It seemed as if we had been adopted!
Like any major city (as has been mentioned) yes there is pickpocketing and what not, and you have to take your standard precautions, as well as being cautious at night. But otherwise, I would recommend seeing Sicily.