Crime in Italy
Jan 8th, 1997, 10:22 PM
#1
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Crime in Italy
Three years since I was in Rome but friends say situation unchanged. Main areas for tourists are not dangerous but watch out around the main railway station. there are many gipsy children who are inclined to snatch bags and dip their hands in your pocets. I had to wave my briefcase at them to shake them off. Keep your wits about you.
Jan 9th, 1997, 05:42 AM
#2
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spent christmas and new year in florence, milan, bergamo. Saw no crime whatsover.
like any traveller you should just take the standard precautions and try to be inconspicuous.
i reckon the problem gets worse the further south you go. as the (northern) italians i stayed with said: 'southern italy is not italy - it's north africa!'.
have a good trip
like any traveller you should just take the standard precautions and try to be inconspicuous.
i reckon the problem gets worse the further south you go. as the (northern) italians i stayed with said: 'southern italy is not italy - it's north africa!'.
have a good trip
Jan 11th, 1997, 10:27 PM
#4
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I was in Italy last April on my honeymoon, and noticed many gypsies, either begging (usually) or trying to steal (rarely). If you are careful, not paranoid, but careful, you will be fine. Before I went someone explained it to me like this: If you are aware of all your belongings and the people around you, you are miles ahead of the majority of bus and/or group tourists, and you will have no trouble. When I arrived, I realized what he meant. You will see people dangling purses and cameras, or leaving bags unattended... If a prospective thief has such easy prey, they will pass you by.
By the way, be sure to find the back alleys and quaint untouristed spots in Rome and Florence! Otherwise, it will seem oppressively crowded at times.
By the way, be sure to find the back alleys and quaint untouristed spots in Rome and Florence! Otherwise, it will seem oppressively crowded at times.
Apr 13th, 1997, 05:41 PM
#6
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A reply stated, "South Italy is not Italy is not Italy, but North Africa." Fortunately people will know better that to take heed of this incredibly stupid statement. I have travelled extensively throughout Italy and it's all culturally, economically and aesthetically superior than the U.K. I am from the U.S. and would rather be in Italy anyday!
Apr 21st, 1997, 05:41 PM
#7
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There is a lot of pickpocketing in southern Italy, but the many wonderful things to see and people to meet make it worth the precautions. Never keep money or other valuables in a back pocket or backpack. A money belt is good. NEVER leave anything in a parked car. A favorite trick of the gypsy kids is to try to sell you a newspaper in your language while another child picks your pocket. Watch for kids who approach you with babies. They are the distractors, while their partner picks your pocket.
Apr 21st, 1997, 05:41 PM
#8
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There is a lot of pickpocketing in southern Italy, but the many wonderful things to see and people to meet make it worth the precautions. Never keep money or other valuables in a back pocket or backpack. A money belt is good. NEVER leave anything in a parked car. A favorite trick of the gypsy kids is to try to sell you a newspaper in your language while another child picks your pocket. Watch for kids who approach you with babies. They are the distractors, while their partner picks your pocket.
Apr 29th, 1997, 10:25 AM
#10
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We just got back from Rome. We were there for 2 weeks. I did most of my touring alone during the day, while my husband worked. (He was there on business.) I used busses and the subway to get around. (I didn't take any tours around Rome. It was more fun to explore on my own.) I wore a neck pouch containing a photocopy of my passport (put the passport in the hotel safe) and the bulk of my money under my clothes. I put some cash in a fanny pack which I wore in front. The only thing in my tote bag were maps and tour books and spare film . I wore the camera around my neck. I was careful but in general felt safer in Rome than in the US. The only place I felt concerned about anything was near Termini.
Jun 28th, 1997, 12:17 PM
#11
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Take particular care around train stations...the gypsy stories are true, unfortunately. Try your best to look like you know where you are going (even when you don't). Have had more problems in Florence and Milan than Venice, however a friend was robbed of jewelry (while traveling on a vaporetto) she should not have been wearing! Gaze carefully!
Jun 29th, 1997, 07:46 AM
#12
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LOL! I must be living in 'southern italy is not italy - it's north africa!'
I would rather live in Southern Italy where people are friendly, treats us like family and gave American Navy the warmest welcome for last 23 years. Venice can have its canals and Florence can advertise it leaning Tower. I would take the Southern coast of Italy where locals are pleasant and friendly.
Any big city no matter where has crime. As many before me has said here, if you make yourself easy prey, you will be the victim. Gypsy children do crowd in Rome. And, I have heard of some stories, but never been a victim myself. Train is safe. Most alleys are safe. It just depends on the area.
Have yourself a great time!
" Desidero darti il benevenuto sud Italia"
I would rather live in Southern Italy where people are friendly, treats us like family and gave American Navy the warmest welcome for last 23 years. Venice can have its canals and Florence can advertise it leaning Tower. I would take the Southern coast of Italy where locals are pleasant and friendly.
Any big city no matter where has crime. As many before me has said here, if you make yourself easy prey, you will be the victim. Gypsy children do crowd in Rome. And, I have heard of some stories, but never been a victim myself. Train is safe. Most alleys are safe. It just depends on the area.
Have yourself a great time!
" Desidero darti il benevenuto sud Italia"
Jun 29th, 1997, 01:58 PM
#13
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Re: What to see in southern Italy. I myself am planning a trip to southern Italy, check out the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, the island of Capri, Pompeii,and a visit to Mt. Vesuvio. Visit Naples, the heart of Italy, where music was born. And as another writer posted it, you will not find more warmth in its people anywhere else.
Jun 29th, 1997, 02:37 PM
#14
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On day in Rome, with a friend from Seattle we were sitting in front of a church when one camera was been stolen. The owner said that he was going to go back to the US with a bad impression of "europe".
I, "Italian" student in San Diego, had my car broken in twice in the very civilized California the past semester.
Yes, there is a little crime in Italy, both in the North and in the South. Just take the same precautions that you would use in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and so on.
I, "Italian" student in San Diego, had my car broken in twice in the very civilized California the past semester.
Yes, there is a little crime in Italy, both in the North and in the South. Just take the same precautions that you would use in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and so on.
Jul 6th, 1997, 12:26 PM
#16
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After 50 years of crime-free travel in Europe, my wife had her wallet stolen from her purse in May while shopping at Ponte Vecchio in Florence. The thieves promptly ran up about $4,000 on one of her credit cards but we put in a stop on time. Be careful about how you carry your wallets, purses, etc. As so often recommended, a money belt is a good idea. For credit cards, be sure you have the correct phone number and know how to call the States to put in a stop.
