Pickpocketed in Rome :(
Oct 6th, 2005, 04:20 PM
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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.
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.
Oct 6th, 2005, 04:45 PM
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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
Oct 6th, 2005, 04:57 PM
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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.
Oct 6th, 2005, 05:18 PM
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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.
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.
Oct 6th, 2005, 06:28 PM
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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.
Oct 6th, 2005, 07:14 PM
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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 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!
Oct 6th, 2005, 07:33 PM
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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.
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.
Oct 6th, 2005, 08:17 PM
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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
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
Oct 7th, 2005, 06:04 AM
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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.
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.
Oct 7th, 2005, 07:14 AM
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<i>"How safe is a hotel safe if the manager has a master key?"</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!
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!
Oct 7th, 2005, 08:10 AM
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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 "haul" less of a reward.
I'm sorry for your bad luck, CubFan, and appreciate your advice.
I'm sorry for your bad luck, CubFan, and appreciate your advice.
Oct 7th, 2005, 08:30 AM
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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.
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.
Oct 7th, 2005, 08:33 AM
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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
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
Oct 7th, 2005, 09:22 AM
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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
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
