VL, where in Venice were your parents? I've never seen a scooter there. I always felt less worried about purse-snatching there. Otherwise I always walk with my bag on the side away from the street. Having seen a woman lose a bag to a passing Vespa in Florence.

I have never seen a scootor on any of the islands of Venice either..the islands of Venice. Did this happen in Mestre, the suburb of Venice?

Just as a point of interest. A very small can of hairspray (travel size) in your bag or pocket can really hurt some creep if you can spray their eyes...advised by a family member who was a policeman.

When traveling in Italy years ago, I quickly learned to keep an umbrella close at hand. When approached by swarms of women and children, I just brandished the bumbershoot not particularly caring if I landed some blows or not. I heard many unpleasant comments about my own virtue and that of my mother -- even I understood that much Italian -- but my belongings remained untouched.
My husband was less fortunate. He had his pocket picked. What the pickpockets did not understand was that he'd just retired after 32 years of teaching in an inner-city high school. He grabbed the pickpocketing pair, shook them soundly, and got his wallet back. He then held them by the scruffs of their necks until the police arrived. He took great satisfaction out of keeping them from plying their trade for the better part of a morning.

I have never been picpocketed, but we were sitting at Chez Francis enjoyed a lovely summer evening meal (outdoors) and a persistent young lad was walking around the outside of all the tables 'begging'.

I finally looked him straight in the eyes and mouthed 'go away' several times. His smile turned into a snarl and he made a rude sign at me but went away, nonetheless.

The maitre de told us it is a major problem there. With many streets converging at that point it would be an easy get-away!!

I think the small can of breath freshener is a great idea - however it seems to me these people just need to know you are 'aware' of their presence by making eye contact!

Your experiences were extremely unfortunate Jandaan.

I plan on paying a visit to Rome soon. I hope things aren't out of sorts when I arrive.

Well, I, personally, would "emphasize" that anyone could, and should, secure anything valuable/important properly. That is truly ALL anyone needs do to avoid being relieved of same.

The pickpockets/thieves - no matter wbere you go, go after anything (and everything) YOU RENDER easily accessible. If whatever you have isn't - they'll select ANOTHER "target".

Forget the can of hairspray. I think a can of Cheez Whiz would be a greater deterrent and a whole lot more fun.

LOL Patrick, cheezwhiz, perfect!!! But noone ever accused cops of being fun guys! Take care!

I'm stocking up on spray cheese. Now I know there really is a reason that stuff exists.

This was VL's first ever posting here, and it was so kind to share the information about his/her parent's dreadful assault by outlaws on mopeds.
I will be much more careful in Venice in the future.

This was Venice, California, yes?

Elaine, it couldn't have been Venice, CA. They sell spray cheese there.

Gee Whiz!

Travelling to Prague with a group of 15 Swiss three years ago, we boarded a tram with our tour guide. Suddenly, a group of G....s entered the tram. The tour guide warned us in German that they are G.....s and we should be aware of our belongings. Ha! G.....s are intelligent people and understood her German a bit. So they started calling us N.z.s. And tried to touch us. The Swiss men protected us females by putting us in the middle as they stood around us. It was just like a Western where the Indians (sorry...American Natives) were attacking the wagon train.

Luckily, after 20 minutes, the G.....s left and we could breathe again.

Moral of the story? Don't forget your Cheezewhiz in Prague.

Can you really buy spray cans of cheese in the US???

EmBee, you come here to California and I will greet you with a can of CheeseWhiz. Honest, LOL. But believe me you won't want to eat it. Talk to you later.

Unbelieveable!

Think I'll stick with breath freshener!!

"NO, it isn't the same in all urban destinations in Europe and elsewhere."

I have been to Rome five times, twice on my own, and I've never been robbed. I do not use a money belt, a neck pouch or anything like that - just a handbag as at home, and like I would anywhere crowded I keep my hand on it.

I have however been robbed in New York City (of my coat !) and in London.

I am loving that tip about the can of spray breath freshener. Great idea--Hysterical!

And to think all these years of traveling and I never thought to wield cheeze-whiz!! The mental images are wonderful. It would be easy to point them out in a crowd afterwards, too.

The G___ with the bright yellow face who is gagging.....

"I plan on paying a visit to Rome soon. I hope things aren't out of sorts when I arrive."

I suggest you not go since it's a vibrant, thriving city full of people of all types. I'm glad it's out of sorts. Makes it exciting.

I initially had the same reaction to mopeds on Venice, but it would be possible at Piazzale Roma or one of the parking islands (or the Lido or Mestre, which are technically Venice). Not likely, but possible.