Where they operate, how they work, and the 5-minute precautions that make you immune.
Plan your Italy trip →Crowded public transport: Rome Metro Line A (especially Termini, Spagna, Ottaviano/Vatican stops), Naples Metro, Milan Metro, Florence buses. Rush hour and tourist hours (10am-6pm). Tourist crowds: Trevi Fountain, Colosseum queue, Spanish Steps, Venice Piazza San Marco, Florence Ponte Vecchio. Train stations: Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, Napoli Centrale — the main stations where distracted travelers manage luggage.
Distraction + extraction: One person creates a distraction (bumps you, drops something, asks for directions, shows you something) while a partner picks your pocket or opens your bag. Crowding: On buses/metro, a group presses against you in the crowd. While you're focused on balance, hands enter your pockets or bags. Bag slashing: Rare but exists — a razor cuts the bottom of a bag in a crowd and contents fall into the thief's hand.
Crossbody bag, worn in front. This single measure eliminates 90% of pickpocket risk. Zipped, flap closed, strap across your chest, bag against your stomach. No wallet in back pockets. Front pocket only, or inside jacket pocket. Phone in a zipped pocket or secure holder. Not in your hand while walking through crowds. Don't carry what you can't afford to lose. Hotel safe for spare cash, backup cards, passport (carry a photocopy). Be alert on public transport. If a stranger bumps you or a group presses against you, cover your bag and pockets immediately.
Tell us your dates and style — we handle the details so you can enjoy Italy worry-free.
Plan free →