I have read the postings on the forum and it was enough to give me the creeps. Whilst we will take heed of all the advise i have one question. Is it safe for me to wear my wedding /engagement rings,etc, and those of my mothers. (7in total) Surely,surely, they would not physically pull them off your fingers or worst still chop my fingers off for them. (I say this last comment with tongue in cheek) I must admit it all sounds rather scarey and is putting me off going to Rome.

We just returned from two weeks in Europe, including 6 days in Rome and felt completely safe. Oh yes, we were certainly cautious and stowed our valuables either well into our clothing/bodies or in our room safe. As for rings, my wife and I wore our wedding rings and never gave it a thought. However, you might want to leave some home if they are valuable and/or sentimental (as your seem to be). To caution on the conservative side, seven rings might be an open invitation. <BR>Of course, there are pickpockets and thieves, but, believe me, it is not of epidemic proportions. Just be cautious and don't wear things easily taken, such as fanny packs and/or pocketbooks with thin, easily ripped off straps. <BR>Above all, do not get paranoid about crime. It is not an epidemic in Rome.

I often post on this topic, as I've heard so many of my friends complain about being hassled in Rome, and we had a couple of petty thefts there. I disagree with Howard: I think that petty theft, especially in tourist areas, IS an epidemic. That said, I wouldn't tempt anyone by wearing rings and I wouldn't miss Rome for anything. This forum will help you look less like a target and allow you to enjoy yourself without worry. If you don't flaunt it--or have it--you won't lose it.

I'm somewhere in the middle of both. I would not bring any jewelry traveling other than a wedding ring, and pretty much what you wear on a normal basis. I would not wear anything to draw attention to yourself. And I would not bring anything of sentimental value. I would not bring your mothers. Its not worth the chance in something happening. The petty crime is a big problem in Italy, being worse in certain places more than others. I have been to Italy 5 times, and on each time have seen something happen to someone I know or attempt to happen to me. Don't take the chance and beware at all times.

Good morning Maxine <BR>I beleive Rome is as safe as any large <BR>city, but anywhere you should take some <BR>caution to the surroundings, e/g, <BR>any excessive jewelry, use the safe <BR>in the room or the hotel for tickets and excess cash. carry limited <BR>number of credit cards in and use a money belt. No purse, no exposed gold <BR>chains, carry outwardly in hip or <BR>in the pocket only minimun currency for the day. This is only common sense to <BR>ward off any possible incidents. Care <BR>must be taken especially in crowded <BR>places, public transportation always <BR>"Le Oggi" Keep you eyes open as to what <BR>is going on around you. You will find <BR>a very enjoyable and safe time in Rome <BR>or any large city..

Iola, I guess we were in different areas of Rome! (Hey, we always seem to be disagreeing!) The only crime that I heard about when I was in Italy was in Florence, and that was someone having her fanny pack ripped off. <BR>I guess a person's opinion of the seriousness of the crime problem depends of his or her personal experience! Perhaps, I've been lucky!

Hi back Howard. I hope you stay lucky, but to some degree we make our luck. When I was foolish, I lost things in Rome; when I was careful, I didn't. It's fun to disgree amicably, wouldn't you agree on that!

Just returned from 4 days in Florence and five days in Rome. Other than cool temps and rain, which is expected this time of year, we had only one experience that was a bit unnerving, but fortunatly we were prepared for it.. <BR> <BR>Coming out of the Medici chapel my wife and I were approached by a woman and a child of about 10 or 11. They both held a piece of cardboard at our eye level...suddenly the child grabbed at my camera and started tugging. I yanked back and yelled at her and they imediately tried to pull the same stunt on another couple. I yelled to warn them and the perps screamed at me. <BR> <BR>All in all, Rome is like any other large city. Keep your eyes open, hold onto your cameras and ladies be careful with your purse. <BR> <BR>No big deal, but I had read about that particualr scam, it happened to me and we were prepared. <BR> <BR>TBH

Who can say why these individuals go after certain people. There are many factors to consider. 5 years ago while in Rome, I was sightseeing with an older friend. I kept reminding her because she was being careless with her purse, camera. After a while, I felt like I was being annoying, and didn't want her to get angry with me. We were riding the Metro, and she had her camera dangling from her shoulder like a purse. I reminded her again. She held on to it tightly. The train josteled, the lights went out for a split second, and her camera was gone, a $600 camera. She had taken some special photos and they were on that film. Don't take a chance. These people are professionals who work, this is their work. Don't underestimate them. If you underestimate them and nothing happens to you consider yourself lucky. But please don't make light of this subject, it is serious. While traveling in Naples last year an older woman in our party was knocked down and scraped up pretty badly by these characters. They were after her purse. They got her purse, and really hurt her doing it. This kind of thing can put a real damper on even the best vacation you've ever had. Just be aware, there really is nothing else you can do. The worst thing you can do is to act like nothing could ever happen to you.

Be assured, Dawn, we are not making light of it. The mere fact we are spending time posting here indicates just how serious we think it is. And, we posters just want to get out the messge: Be careful, be aware, be prepared (but don't get paranoid about it)....and you'll have a good time and your chances of getting robbed, scammed, pickpocketed or whatever are greatly diminished. <BR>(And, yes, Iola, it is fun to disagree amicably. There are enough incidents of rudeness already on the forum!)

When we travel, we wear inexpensive (like really really cheap) wedding bands and watches. If someone steals it or demands it---no problem. <BR>We, like some of the above posts, wear money belts and only carry in our pockets cash for the day. Travel is wonderful--enjoy Rome and watch out for the cycles......

We've been to Rome three times. I'm a small town person, but love Rome better than any other big city; however, precautions do have to be taken. We dressed like tourists and took fanny packs, etc. our first time. We were accosted several times, but did not lose anything. By the third time, we were using money belts, not taking purses, wore very basic jewelry and we were not bothered at all. I love Italy and would not miss it even with these inconveniences.

Seven rings sounds a bit flamboyant. My advice, try to go plain. We traveled throughout Italy for 3 1/2 weeks a couple of years ago and had no problems. Just be and look aware, as you should in any "Big City". I would not say that crime is an epidemic, however pick pocketing and other petty crime do occur there. Violent crime, on the other hand, is extremely rare against tourist. <BR> Italy is by far my favorite place to visit in the world. It would be a tragedy to have it ruined by an unpleasant experience. Please don't be a target. <BR>

I was just having a quick surf of the days postings, and was shocked to see mine come up again. Its the fear of the unknown, isn't it. I have decided to wear these rings as they have never been off my fingers ever. I could remove them and leave them at home and whilst away we could be burgled which i will have no controll over, i will remember the advise of the forum though and turn these ring around on my fingers so they are not so obvious. I will be wearing no other Jewelery. We have puchased our money belts to wear under our clothing. I have to say, i have a laugh every time i see someone talking about fanny bags, here in New Zealand that is not a word we would use. They are call bum bags here. the word fanny is something totally different which i shall not go into. Maxine <BR>