Just been reading a thread about money belts etc which got me a bit worried. Is pick pocketing a particularly big problem in rome? Are we highly likely to be targeted or do you just need to be aware as you would be in any city

Pocket picking is a problem in Rome. We've been accosted by gangs of teens and families of gypsies. They are not violent but they are quick and can be difficult to avoid in areas frequented by tourists. You are admiring a ruin; they are admiring your wallet.
My faithful traveling companion had his pocket picked just once. He grabbed the two teens who'd accosted him by their collars, held them for the police, and his wallet mysteriously reappeared. After that, we took to carrying umbrellas and if anyone got too close, swung them around a bit. Heard some unpleasant remarks about our mothers but our wallets remained safe.

You have said it yourself. You just have to be aware and this is not pertaining to Rome only. It is true of not only where you visit but even where you live.

As for Rome we heard horror stories from our travel agent, an Italian who came from Naples! But we had no problems at all and we went during high tourist season in June.

We have traveled (and lived) in several large cities in the US and Europe. Although we felt just as safe in Rome as anywhere else, it was the only place we've been pickpocketed.

A group of disheleved "gypsy" women, sitting on the sidewalk and holding babies, begged for money as we walked by. One of them came up to us, briefly touched my husband's back while begging, and took the cash out of his wallet, without his realizing it.

We had one close call, where two kids came up behind my husband who was carrying a backpack. Luckily he saw them coming, and so whirled around as soon as they tried to touch the bag, scaring the crap out of them.

Just like your post said, you just need to be aware like in any major city. People like my mother who walk around with their wallet half hanging out of their purse will get it stolen in 2 seconds.

Hi S,

Don't carry anything valuable in a backpack.

Don't put a wallet in a back pocket.

Don't leave anything valuable unattended, even for a second.

Don't worry.

Enjoy your visit.

Thanks everyone, we have decided to get a money belt just to be on the safe side

I think you need to be more than aware. You need to take some precautions. Another poster here, Ira, has said he uses safety pins to close his pockets. I use a wrist wallet called a "Yazzy bag" which buckles to my wrist and has a strong loop that slips onto one finger like a ring, but otherwise leaves my hands free so I can take pictures, etc.

I do not carry a purse, but instead keep my guidebook, hairbrush, tissues, etc. in an ordinary plastic bag (like you get from the drugstore). I leave my passport and return air tickets in the room safe of my hotel and only carry my business card for ID.

I have been in Roma more than half a dozen times and never been robbed. But I have been well aware there is a genuine problem and tourists are targets.

oh -- maybe Ira has given up on his safety pins. It always sounded like a good tip to me.