Pickpocketed in Rome :(
 

(Sorry if I posted this twice. I thought I posted it, but now I can't find it.)

I was in Rome and was picked on the bus. Someone pointed out that my wallet was on the floor. I was too embarrassed to open it at the time. After departing, yes, all of the money was gone. I guess I did have the good fortune of having the rest of the contents.

Pick pocketing is so relatively rare in America and so prevalent in Rome that it’s hard to grasp the contrast. I can only say: Believe me when I tell you that someone can place their hand in your pocket and you’d never know. If you go with that basic premise instead if having the “not me, I’ll notice” attitude, you’ve completed step one.
It is imperative that you acknowledge that you can be picked without noticing. If you don’t proceed from that premise, then your efforts are seriously diminished.

I took most of the prescribed precautions. Don’t have your wallet in your back pocket, watch your things, stuff like that. It’s not that such advice is wrong; it’s that it isn’t specific enough.

Here are my tips to avoid being pick pocketed. I hope it saves someone else, although I’ll never know because it’s impossible to prove a negative.

1)For me, I should have never taken a wallet at all. I should have left it in locked in the room safe at the hotel. It’s much harder to determine that a pocket has cash in it instead of a wallet that leaves an outline. Why do I need my Illinois driver’s license in Rome? Carry a copy of your passport if you like – and don’t make it the only copy you have because you’ll also have one in your bag that’s back at your hotel along with the one that’s in the shaving bag. You get the idea.

2)Take only the day’s journey worth of money, the amount you reasonably expect to spend. Dum dum here had $300 when, knowing myself, I’d spend a few Euro on postcards and pick up a roll or two of film. I have no interest in shopping so my foolishness cost me the $300 that I had no business carrying.

3)Put money in two different pockets to spread risk.

4)Use a money belt to hold extra cash and a credit card, having another credit card in the safe at the hotel. You can get a soft money belt that fits under your pants. You won’t even know it’s there. So what if it’s a bit inconvenient to recover anything from it because you have to go to the washroom? No one can see it, and certainly not get to it unless they can disrobe you without you noticing. LOL

5)If you do have a wallet in your pocket, HAVE YOUR HAND ON IT when in busses, metro, and any other place where there are crowds. Your hand has nerve endings, your wallet does not.

6)Sew a zipper or a few buttons, inside the pocket, but also below the top of the pocket so they can’t be seen. This will not tip the thief that they must find a way to unzip or unbutton the pocket (I’m not putting that above their skill level) and doesn’t advertise that there must be something valuable in the pocket.

Lesson learned for me, and I hope this helps someone out there.

Thanks for taking the time to post this for the rest of us.

For your sake, if only your Cubbies could win...

sorry, can't think of a cub comment as I don't follow baseball but I do thank you for your good advice. Now if I could just get my husband to take your suggestions. His hand, clutching his wallet, inside his front pocket is the only precaution he takes. thanks again, Deborah

Our matra while travelling in Europe is "money-belt, money belt, money belt..."

I believe in moneybelts too. I was incredulous at some Trip Advisor members saying that they thought moneybelts were worthless especially if mugged. Other than hotel safes they advised others to put their passports, money, etc. in their suitcases which they leave in their rooms.

So unfortunate that you truly believed you "took most of the prescribed precautions".

The first line of defense against the pickpockets (who could not be more practiced at their "art") is to leave your wallet at home. You really and truly do not need it and you are setting yourself up by having one on you. A big fat wallet is virtually impossible to successfully secure.

The pickpockets, the world over, go after that which is most obvious and easily accessible. Even if you "believe" that your wallet is concealed, the pickpockets know better, especially when you pat yourself while out and about - think "body language". You are actually directing them.

When you head out for the day, you should have only a bit of cash in one very, very deep front pocket, and a card or two in the other (ATM, one credit card). The rest should be stored in an in-room or front desk safe. You could also carry a photocopy of your passport (NOT the original), though I have never been asked to present mine, except for duty free shopping, whereupon a copy is just fine as all they need is your name and number.

The usual advise to "just be aware of your surroundings" is positively ridiculous because the pickpockets are expert in distracting you.

See there? Now that you've been "grabbed", you've figured all of this out.

For the ladies and gents, fabulous clothing is available these days for travel - deep front pockets, concealed zipper pockets (in slacks, skirts, and jackets)...

Again, leave your big fat wallet at home.

Regarding in-room safes, I've heard they're not so safe. Better in the hotel safe or in a well-hidden money belt.

When with friends in Paris this summer, I cautioned them not to put their valuables in the hotel safe. Afterall, there is a master key, the combinations are known to fail, so why bother. One gal went ahead and put her valuables in the safe and promptly couldn't open it. I don't know whether the directions were in French or she just didn't follow directions. She had to wait a couple of hours for the hotel manager to come up and open the safe with a master key.

How safe is a hotel safe if the manager has a master key? I don't which is better, the hotel safe or the suitcase. I still prefer a moneybelt.

Djkbooks says it exactly about the comment regarding "just be aware of your surroundings." On the surface it sounds like good advice, but just doesn't mean anything.

I should have had no wallet and about 30 Euro for my meager needs.

Since I'm saying, "I told you so" to myself, I hope none of you have to experience it. The worst part wasn't the $300; it was the humiliation, embarrassment, anger...emotional more than financial.

Thanks to all for your comments. By the way, a bright spot here, Roman history is fantastic!

I always do what CubFanAlways all the time on vacation, except for the belt. Luckly so far I've never been robbed, but I been with others that have been. Eventhough I have my main daily supply zipped, I still keep some cash handy for for easy spending. I try not to open the stash in public.

It is true that in the USA pickpocketing is rare. But in ther USA its usually more violent muggings and assaults. I would rather be pickpocketed than mugged to get my money.

Many foreign countries have pickpocket problems, not just Italy. At many Florence churches, there are signs warning about them. Certain Rome busses are more prone to it than others, these are the ones that carry more tourist.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing !!

My rule is this...If you must carry it, spread it. I have been known to have 5 wallets secreted about my person whilst travelling. The most deeply hidden, containing the most valuable stuff, I always carry a wallet with around £15 in only and nothing else just for everyday spending. If I use it up I nip into the loo and dig deep into the bowels of my secret storage area and top up the daily wallet. Of course if you are confident the hotel is secure then that is probably the best place for the majority of stuff.

Happy travelling


Muck

Muck,
Your strategy of carrying 15 poounds and then visiting the loo as needed to dig into the secret storage is precisely what I used to do...and should have continued to do. Thanks for the post and reminding me of an excellent strategy. May my hindsight be someone else's foresight.

Deborah,
I hope your husband learns from my misfortune. There is no need for both us to pay for the same lesson. If he keeps his hand on his wallet at ALL times, then his plan will work. But I don't see that as being practical, not to mention stressing.

Artlover,
"Money belt, money belt, money belt?" Yes, yes, yes!

Ronda,
I suggest always testing the in-room safe empty first. Open and close it a few times to be sure it works.

Excellent advise. Sorry you had to live through it to help remind us.

Sorry about this news CubFanAlways! By chance were you on bus 64's route?????

<i>&quot;How safe is a hotel safe if the manager has a master key?&quot;</i>

How safe is a safety deposit box in any bank? What the hell are you people carrying around with you, the Hope diamond?

I would say both places are <b>very safe</b> and in all the hundreds of room-safes I, and every other celebrity I travel with, have used, <b>not once has anything been stolen</b> from the room safe.

I keep upwards of $3000 in cash on me and I always keep the bulk of it in the room safe. There have been times when I forgot to put the cash in the safe and left it in my luggage in the closet. (Lucky me, I guess.)

Furthermore, if you ask, I'm sure every hotel will offer liability information regarding in-room safes and will explain their insurance policy for covering a very unlikely event.

The idea that hotels would actually set up a hotel business to rip-off its customers is laughable. I'm sure every hotel will tell you who has access to room-safe keys and I'm sure a security policy exists at all reputable establishments.

The number of actual thefts from hotel-room safes is miniscule and almost never involves a low-rent occupant. Who's going to risk their livelihood for your few bucks? All it takes is one, unsubstantiated story to be blown into some paranoid-fantasy-heist film starring Tom Cruise and suddenly everybody knows somebody who's been robbed. Think people, think!

NYCSnob's $3000 aside, I would add that it is unwise and unnecessary to carry hundreds of euros at any time, given the ready availability of ATM's. Since we all agree that pickpockets are very good at what they do, and since, unfortunately someone's gonna get it, at least make the &quot;haul&quot; less of a reward.

I'm sorry for your bad luck, CubFan, and appreciate your advice.

Yes, I would never recommend carrying as much cash as me. I started carrying cash years ago when I traveled heavily for business. Credit cards weren't used that much and I always felt safer having enough cash on hand. It became a security blanket for me and I continue the practice.

Also, I make many purchases with cash, especially the non-deductible ones. I just find I get better service because I save everybody the bank fees. I enjoy doing this for small businesses.

Some may be surprised how quickly I can go through $3000. I realize that for someone on a serious budget, $3000 is a lot of money. I don't view it this way and most of my posts aren't geared toward travelers on a restricted budget.

My only point is providing an experienced perspective, especially when persistent hyperbole and paranoia cloud clear thinking.

Sorry to here that you were pick pocketed.

Just to add to your list of suggestions, I always make sure my jacket that I bring (usually a light weight jacket for cool mornings/evenings) has an inside pocket. I've been lucky to have my MIL make these pockets for me. On other jackets, with outsidepockets, she has either added buttons or velcro strips to close the pocket. If velcro, I would be sure to hear the sound if opened.

I too carry only what I need for the day and depending on location, wear a money belt.

Monica ((F))

RandyK,

Yes, it was on the 64 bus. The 64 bus meant nothing to me at the time, but as I review old threads, I see it come up all the time. I don't recall where I was coming from, but apparently there is a reason why thieves target that one.

Tim

&quot;Pick pocketing is so relatively rare in America &quot;

Yes, pick pocketing is very prevelent in the US. Living in NY I have been very careful but I have felt hands in purses and coat pockets, etc. I have known many people who have been pick pocketed in NY. I've never had anything taken, but my husband has. He is more careful now.

Just a hint: Read Rick Steves book on traveling in Italy. He gives you all the information about the buses, metro, protecting you valuable, etc.

I'm sorry you got pickpocketed.

The last post made me think, I'd rather be pickpocketed in Rome than mugged at gun point in NYC. At least that doesn't happen much in Europe.

CubFanAlways

Thanks for the post. It is a good reminder that as uncomfortable as wearing a moneybelt can sometimes be, it is worth the trouble.

My problem with hotel safes is that it makes for one more thing to remember to clear when we leave the hotel. I like a simple, consistent system where I'm not always moving stuff from one secure place to the next - makes for easier tracking.

CubFan, show me the person who's never made a travel-related goof and I'll show you someone who never travels. Not long ago I bought a nonrefundable ticket just a week before I knew the airline in question had a history of announcing a sale. Sure enough, the sale came along as usual and I was out $300 for my impatience. Lesson learned. Ouch!

Glad you otherwise enjoyed Rome. Cheer up, in another era you might have been the starring entertainment in the Colosseum....

Good post. I'm always told I'm gloom and doom about this issue. Believe me, there is pickpocketing in the USA. You wouldn't believe how many Americans are too embarrassed to report it. Mostly they just report it to the credit card companies.

It happens in Chicago on the el, and in sporting event crowds, Taste of Chicago etc. My brother used to work the pickpocket detail when he was younger.

I too use the spread it out technique and hardly carry cash amounts bigger than $60 to $100- especially in Europe or in any big city bustle.

And I'm a good girl so I won't say one thing about your name. GO WHITE SOX- just one more game to take the next step forward.

francophile03, I was attacked by three young men in Brussels and a moneybelt would not have given me ANY protection. They had attacked several other people on previous nights; two of their victims had been wearing money belts, one a neckpouch. The only thing the moneybelt added in those cases were a few more injuries as the attackers beat the victims for making them &quot;work&quot; a little harder for their pickings. Fortunately, I had my keys in a pocket and my cell phone in another...they threw me down, grabbed my purse, checked that my wallet had my cash and CCs, stomped on my glasses and took off.
FWIW, we also had someone try to shoot my husband at point blank range in Brussels (attacker was too drunk to realize the gun was unloaded, his very big mistake); but I've never had any even remotely similar brushes with crime in NYC.

BTilke, I'm sorry about you and your husband's unfortunate mugging. I don't know why I'm being singled out here as I'm not the lone believer in using moneybelts. There are two other posters who favor using moneybelts too. So do what you want, moneybelt or no moneybelt, stash your cash in your suitcase, safe, whatever. It's your choice. I made mine.

CubFanAlways, I am in total agreement regarding the money belt and your sound advice. I only keep my daily allowance of spending cash and one credit card in my backpack (no purse). The passports, spare credit card, travelers checks, airline tickets, etc. all go in the soft money belt hidden under my clothing. If I need to access it, I do it hidden--usually in the bathroom. The rest of the time we keep them locked in the hotel safe.

We met an older American couple on a train that were seasoned European travelers (17 trips) and they were both victimized several times. The husband had all 7 of his pockets picked on a 7 minute train ride, but luckily he had been wearing his money belt. Another time the wife had her fanny waist pouch cut off. By the time she notified her credit card company, the thief had managed to rack up $2000 in charges. They said they now keep all their valuables hidden in a money belt. It does work.

Pickoicketing is less popular in the States. They don't have the finesse...they just mug you there. It is faster.

Btilke, were both your unfortunate Brussels experiences during a single trip?

Oh my,this thread is going to cause some people to not want to travel I think.

Even in SF, especially during the Holiday Season, the SFPD warns people about pickpockets, theft etc. It is just not a Europe problem. But if one is out of the country and has the problem then it is more devastating than if they are in their own country.

One clue from years ago...have a $20.00 bill on you to turn over to a robber if you are held up. That is better then if you pretend you have nothing.

Regarding pickpockets..do think about the millions of Europeans that go about their daily life without a problem.

Travellers, when you are in a city and staying in a hotel utilize the hotel (not the room) safe and put your passport, an extra credit card, ATM card and extra cash there.

When roaming about the city where you have a hotel room take a minimum amount of cash, one credit card and an ATM card if you need to get cash that day. And if you do get cash that day from an ATM don't wander all around the city with it. Take it back to your hotel and deposit it into the hotel safe except for what you need that day.

If you are travelling from area to area then put all necessary items in a moneybelt. A silk one is more comfortable to wear.

I disagree with CubFanAlways comment that pickpocketing is rare in America. I had it happen at my local supermarket a couple of years ago. It happens in the US also.

But CubFanAlways did give some good advice IMO. But again, remember, don't panic, Europeans go about their life day in and day out with their purses, wallets etc. Europe is NOT anymore dangerous then anywhere else and in a lot of cases it is safer IMO. Happy and safe travels to everyone.

No, my mugging and the gun incident occurred during the 6 years we've been living there. Francophile03, I posted to you because you said you were &quot;incredulous&quot; at some TA posters saying that moneybelts were worthless if you were being mugged. Being mugged is very different from being pickpocketed and based on personal experience being mugged (NOT pickpocketed), I would agree with them.
I don't wear a moneybelt at home in Brussels for the same reasons that most posters would not wear a moneybelt while shopping at their local mall. For most people, it's simply not something you do every day at home.
However, I don't wear a moneybelt while traveling either, especially on business and have NEVER had a problem in any major U.S. city (NY, Philly, Chicago) or during our travels in Europe.

Gee, I didn't mean to infer that being mugged is in the same category as being pickpocketed. I was trying to say that when given a choice between using a moneybelt or hiding their cash and important documents in a suitcase, some people chose the latter.

I see that the suitcase is favored over the moneybelt for some people, the shoe for others, etc.

Therefore, whatever method you (BTilke) choose that's your choice. A moneybelt is mine.

Cub Fan-the 64 bus is the infamous bus that goes from Termini Station and stops along the way to the Vatican. Its known especially in &quot;high season&quot; as the suckers bus as its always packed and everyone that is not a local is on it for the sightseeing?(I personally had the thrill of being goosed on it last year but that is another story?) There are numerous gypsy type teenage girls along with others that are known for traveling it to make some money. Don't feel bad about being pickpocketed-be lucky it was only the money. Another tip to others is-if you are leaving anything like a cell phone or other valuables in your rooms overseas-BE SURE TO HAVE SOME TYPE OF LOCKS ON THE SUITCASES. There are numerous instances that cleaning people.etc. break into hotel rooms and look through whats in the suitcases.
The best thing to do whenever you leave your hotel room overseas is to leave the lights on,the TV on in the language of the country that you are in and the bathroom door somewhat closed-that way if anyone opens the door they will think that someone is in the room. If the room is one that requires a plastic hotel room key, then use another card with you to keep the A/C, lights on,etc.This is something that most flight crews use on layovers as there have been problems at some places we stay in the past.

Although I thought it was fairly amazing, a friend told me that while he was in Rome this summer in a crowd, he reached into his front pants pocket to secure his billfold, only to find someone else's hand! The same person tried again a few minutes later to pickpocket him again!

a friend told me that while he was in Rome this summer in a crowd, he reached into his front pants pocket to secure his billfold, only to find someone else's hand

Has this ever happened to anyone else? If so, what did you do? I would think I would be so mad I would either hit the person or make a huge scene about it.

I find it interesting that threads on this forum about pickpockets in European cities have a way of degenerating into emotional responses and counter-responses. One poster may advise you to leave your valuables in your hotel room, and another disagrees, citing theft from hotel rooms and even hotel safes as a real problem. Some strongly recommend use of money belts and discourage carrying valuables in purses. Others say that they since they don't shun purses at home and there are pickpockets in the US also, they certainly don't intend to avoid carrying a purse in Europe.

In the end, one is left feeling uneasy and uncertain about how to prepare for and deal with pickpockets in Europe. Each of us is left to try to sort out the conflicting advice and find something that will work for us. On one hand, I want to avoid a siege mentality, where too much of my time and energy is spent watching my back. Each time I leave my hotel room, do I really need to anticipate and attempt to foil a burglary of my room in my absence? Each time I leave my room, must I pack everything up in my suitcase and lock it? Put my laptop, passport, and other valuables in the room safe? No? Not safe enough? Must I check them in at the front desk to place in their safe?

What's enough? What's too much?

The best place to look for objective advice may be on the US State Department's website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...fety_1747.html

For information about crime in Italy, see the Consular Information sheet: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1146.html. That site recommends the following, among other excellent trips:

&quot;Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.&quot;

Regarding the statement that you do not need to carry your passport with you: If you want to use an Internet point while traveling, at least in Italy, you do need to present your passport. I believe that this is a recently passed law -- part of the anti-terrorism initiatives.

I don't know whether this is true in other EU countries, or only in Italy.

Hi

Thanks for the tips. I don't know why people are so indignant about not needing to follow these simple, sensible precautions. To add to the list:

1. When taking money out avoid using large denominations.

2. Dress down. Leave the expensive watch, necklace etc. at home. Otherwise wear them to get noticed. Thieves will be particularly impressed.

3. Keep cameras out of view unless you are using them.

Safe and happy travels.

Hi CubFanAlways, thanks for the advice. Also with regard to safes in hotel rooms and hotel desk. I can't remember where I read this, but, if you would claim what has been stolen from your hotel room on your travel insurance and you didn't use the safes available to you, it could mean that the insurance co. may decide to reject your claim. Just a terrible thought. Read small print if you have an insurance policy.

Another personal note on how I managed to carry cash and cr cards while feeling safe and secure in Paris...for ladies.

I carried about 100 euro and 1 credit card at any given time, left excess cash, passport and other credit cards in the hotel safe. Never had a problem re: the safe. At first I wore a money belt, but found I didn't need it.

I carried a small softsided microfiber messenger bag with maps, camera, makeup, etc. I put a (very) small wallet in the inside pocket. For extra safety, I fastened the zipper pull of that pocket with a safety pin. The bag had a zipper to close the interior and then a flap covered the top of the bag, snapping on the outside. I usually put 10 euro or so in the outside zippered flap (or sometimes a separate small purse). Lastly, I carried a tiny &quot;dummy&quot; wallet...in the interior before one got to the pinned pocket. I usually carried the bag across my chest, but ALWAYS made sure the snapped flap was turned against my body. Lastly, I kept my hand on the bag in crowds.

Never had a problem, never felt insecure. I stopped wearing the money belt after just a couple of days. This method gave me enough carrying room for the items I needed and I felt completely secure that no one could &quot;pick&quot; that inside pocket...and, no, the dummy wallet never disappeared.